Syed Muhammad Qaseem: Bangladesh has announced it will not play its Twenty20 World Cup matches in India after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was unexpectedly released by his Indian Premier League franchise, amid growing political and sporting tensions between the two nations.
Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed they let Mustafizur go after receiving instructions from India’s cricket board (BCCI). Bangladesh had been slated to play three group matches in Kolkata next month during the February 7–March 8 tournament, which India is co-hosting with Sri Lanka.
According to Sports Ministry adviser Asif Nazrul, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) resolved that the national team would not travel to India, calling the decision a reaction to what he described as increasingly polarising policies within Indian cricket.
Relations between the countries have deteriorated in recent weeks. A mob attack that killed a Hindu factory worker in Bangladesh sparked protests in New Delhi, while political tensions had already intensified after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India amid unrest at home.
Following Mustafizur’s release, the BCB convened an emergency meeting and considered requesting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s fixtures, citing concerns over player safety. Officials argued that if a Bangladeshi cricketer could not compete in India despite holding a contract, the entire squad would struggle to feel secure there. Sri Lanka has been floated as a possible alternative venue.
The BCB also plans to seek clarification from the BCCI on the handling of Mustafizur’s release. Neither the ICC nor the BCB immediately issued public comments. Bangladesh had been scheduled to meet West Indies, England and Italy in Kolkata before finishing their group stage against Nepal in Mumbai.
