Bangladesh’s interim government has formally requested the relocation of its T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka following the controversial exclusion of national cricket star Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League. The diplomatic sporting crisis emerged after Kolkata Knight Riders, under advisory from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), released the premier fast bowler from his $1 million contract.
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul declared the government’s firm stance against perceived disrespect toward Bangladeshi cricket, stating through official channels that “the days of slavery are over.” The administration has directed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to petition the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding security concerns for their national team during the upcoming tournament.
The escalating tensions stem from deteriorating political relations between the neighboring nations following the 2024 governmental transition in Dhaka that ousted India-aligned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Recent diplomatic exchanges have included India’s foreign ministry criticizing Bangladesh’s minority treatment, while interim leader Muhammad Yunus accused India of exaggerating domestic unrest.
BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul confirmed an emergency meeting to address player dignity and security concerns, emphasizing these priorities would guide their final decision. Concurrently, Nazrul announced measures to block IPL broadcasting within Bangladesh, signaling a potential broader sporting boycott.
The T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence February 7 with India and Sri Lanka as co-hosts, now faces organizational challenges. Bangladesh’s proposed venue change mirrors existing arrangements for Pakistan, which will play all matches in Sri Lanka due to longstanding geopolitical considerations.
Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, confirmed Mustafizur’s release followed “due process and consultations” amid the evolving bilateral circumstances.