The development was first highlighted by Indian journalist Vikrant Gupta, who termed it a “big breaking” moment in world cricket.
Bangladesh Govt has announced their team is boycotting the World Cup.
Sports Adviser says Bangladesh wants to play but only and only in Sri Lanka
Big breaking
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) January 22, 2026
Bangladesh’s interim government has made it clear that while the team is willing to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026, it will do so only if matches are shifted to Sri Lanka, one of the tournament’s co-hosts.
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said Bangladesh “cannot be forced to play in India,” underlining the government’s refusal to bow to what it described as “unreasonable coercion.”
The ICC, however, has firmly rejected Bangladesh’s plea. In a statement, the governing body said that independent security assessments, venue-level security plans and assurances from Indian authorities found no credible threat to the safety of the Bangladesh team. As a result, the ICC confirmed it would not relocate Bangladesh’s four group matches, scheduled to be played in Kolkata and Mumbai, with the tournament set to begin on February 7.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has repeatedly cited security concerns, but the ICC suggested the stance was influenced by “a single, isolated and unrelated development” involving one of Bangladesh’s players in a domestic league — a clear reference to the IPL snub of pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman.
The row erupted on January 3, when the BCCI ordered IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur, triggering anger in Dhaka and souring cricketing ties further.
Political tensions have added fuel to the crisis. India-Bangladesh relations have deteriorated since the 2024 mass uprising that toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi. Bangladesh is also due to hold its first elections since that upheaval during the World Cup period, further complicating matters.
Bangladesh captain Litton Das admitted uncertainty over participation. “Everyone is uncertain,” he said, reflecting widespread confusion within the team and the country.
With Sri Lanka not formally contacted about hosting Bangladesh’s matches, the ICC has indicated that Scotland, the highest-ranked non-qualified team, could replace Bangladesh if they withdraw. For now, the Bangladesh T20 World Cup boycott remains one of the most serious crises the tournament has faced, blending sport, politics and diplomacy into a volatile mix.