A simmering cricket dispute has now crossed into diplomacy, as Bangladesh questions safety, fairness, and trust following Mustafizur Rahman’s dramatic IPL exit from Kolkata Knight Riders.
Amid the escalating controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided to formally approach the International Cricket Council with a request that Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches be moved from India to Sri Lanka. The decision follows the release of the left arm pacer from Kolkata Knight Riders on the direct order of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, citing the prevailing political climate and recent developments in Bangladesh.
The move has exposed how quickly sport can become entangled in regional tension. Reports of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh have strained relations between the two neighbours, with cricket now caught in the crossfire. In recent days, Kolkata Knight Riders and co owner Shah Rukh Khan were publicly targeted, before the situation culminated in the BCCI instructing the franchise to release Mustafizur from their IPL squad.
According to ESPNCricinfo, the BCB is expected to raise serious concerns about player safety, particularly in Kolkata, where Bangladesh are scheduled to play their first three T20 World Cup matches.
“We have three matches of the T20 World Cup in Kolkata, so we will write to the ICC regarding what has happened today,” the BCB’s media committee chairman Amzad Hussain told ESPNcricinfo.
Bangladesh’s sports adviser Asif Nazrul reinforced the stance, expressing doubts over the team’s safety in India and calling for immediate intervention.
“I have asked the BCB to explain the entire matter to the ICC. The board should inform that if a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite being contracted, the entire Bangladeshi cricket team cannot feel safe going to play in the World Cup. I have also instructed the Board to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka,” he wrote on Facebook.
He further revealed that he had requested Bangladesh’s information and broadcasting ministry to halt IPL telecasts within the country.
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup fixtures are currently scheduled for Kolkata and Mumbai, with their opening match against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7. Ironically, the BCB recently announced a home series against India, though the BCCI is still awaiting government approval to tour Bangladesh.
On Saturday, Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed Mustafizur Rahman’s release under BCCI orders, noting that a foreign replacement would be permitted. The pacer had been signed for INR 9.20 crore after intense bidding involving Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
