Just three weeks before the T20 World Cup 2026, the political and cricketing dispute between Bangladesh and India has taken a new turn. After the Mustafizur Rahman controversy, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) flatly refused to play its matches in India.
Sports News: The dispute between India and Bangladesh regarding Mustafizur Rahman has now reached a new turn. The matter became further complicated after Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) flatly refused to play its matches of T20 World Cup 2026 in India citing security reasons and ‘national humiliation’.
Meanwhile, news has come out that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has contacted the International Cricket Council (ICC) and has offered to host these matches of Bangladesh. With this proposal, the direction of the dispute has become even broader and the ICC is in a position to take a final decision in this matter soon.
Beginning of controversy: Mustafizur Rahman and IPL
This whole issue started when IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) dropped Mustafizur Rahman from their team. Rahman was bought by KKR for Rs 9.2 crore, but was released following alleged instructions from BCCI. No clear reason was given for this decision, which sparked outrage in Bangladesh.
The BCB called it a “national insult” and refused to play four T20 World Cup matches in India, citing concerns about its safety. Out of these four matches, three matches were to be held in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
Bangladesh’s demand and ICC’s response
BCB requested ICC to shift Bangladesh’s matches from India to some other country. BCB called it necessary for the safety of its team and players. However, ICC clarified that shifting the matches to another country just before the start of the tournament is impossible in terms of logistics and broadcasting. The ICC proposed BCB to hold the match at two alternative venues in India—Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram—but Bangladesh has not accepted it and is still adamant on its demand.
Pakistan’s proposal
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has offered to ICC to host Bangladesh’s matches. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi told ICC that his country is fully prepared for Bangladesh matches. Cricket experts believe that this step of Pakistan is an attempt to increase its role in the tournament and take part in the India-Bangladesh dispute.
However, the ICC is unlikely to accept Pakistan’s proposal as there are only a few weeks left for the tournament to begin and logistically, shifting the matches to Pakistan is challenging.
India-Bangladesh political tension and security concerns
BCB says sending team to India is a risk to “security and national honour”. This dispute has emerged amid the current political tension between India and Bangladesh. BCB President Aminul Islam said, “We cannot take this decision alone. We have to take permission from our government. The final decision will be taken only keeping in mind the security and political situation. It is clear from this that talks will continue between BCB and ICC regarding the initial matches of the T20 World Cup.
Till now, the dispute between India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has increased the suspense in the organization of T20 World Cup 2026. The ICC now has to decide whether it can make an alternative arrangement in line with BCB’s security concerns or reject Pakistan’s proposal.
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