The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) to seek a change of venues for its matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played in India, following an escalating controversy linked to the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The move comes after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) dropped Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, a decision that has triggered strong reactions in Dhaka.

The controversy intensified amid reports of political pressure in India, which ultimately led to KKR announcing Mustafizur’s exclusion.

According to Indian media, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) advised KKR to remove the Bangladeshi pacer from the squad in view of the prevailing situation, assuring the franchise it would be allowed to name a replacement player.

Following the decision, the BCB expressed concerns over the safety and security of its players in India and indicated it would formally raise the issue with the ICC.

A senior BCB official said the matter would be referred to the global governing body, stressing that while IPL selections are an internal issue of the BCCI, the T20 World Cup is an international event and falls under ICC jurisdiction.

“Mustafizur’s exclusion from the IPL is BCCI’s internal matter. However, the World Cup is an ICC event, and the final decision on venues will be taken by the ICC after considering all aspects,” the official was quoted as saying.

He added that Bangladesh would soon hold discussions with the ICC, citing the precedent of the 2025 Champions Trophy, when Pakistan refused to host India after New Delhi declined to tour Pakistan.

Bangladesh are currently scheduled to play their T20 World Cup matches on February 7 against West Indies, February 9 against Italy, and February 14 against England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, followed by a February 17 fixture against Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

Meanwhile, reports suggest the situation could worsen further, with indications that the BCCI is also considering postponing India’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh in 2026.

The tour, part of Bangladesh’s home season starting in March 2026, includes a white-ball series comprising three ODIs and three T20Is.

The series was originally planned for 2025 but had already been deferred.

Neither the ICC nor the BCCI has issued an official statement so far on Bangladesh’s request or the future of the bilateral series.