Cricket Jan 21, 2026

Why are there tensions between Bangladesh and India ahead of T20 World Cup - and how could England be impacted?

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Why are there tensions between Bangladesh and India ahead of T20 World Cup - and how could England be impacted?

Political tensions between the nations have led to Bangladesh refusing to travel to India for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7, "under current conditions".

Here is what we know so far…

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has cited concerns around "safety and well-being" for opting against heading to India.

Ties between the countries have strained even further with a Hindu man killed by a mob during violent protests in Bangladesh in December after being accused of blasphemy, leading to protests by Hindu nationalist groups in India.

The BCB's stance on the T20 World Cup came shortly after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman had been withdrawn from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the Indian Premier (IPL) at the request of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The BCCI did not explicitly mention the strained political ties but said the decision was based on "recent developments", with Mustafizur - - now poised to miss the IPL from March 26 to May 31.

Bangladesh's interim government then announced a ban on broadcasts ‌of this year's IPL on Monday, the latest flashpoint in the ​growing row.

Bangladesh's ministry of information and broadcasting said in a statement that the decision was taken "in public interest" after the exclusion of Mustafizur, a move it said "caused distress among the people of Bangladesh."

Mustafizur has previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in the IPL, taking 60 wickets in 65 games.

The statement read: "Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India and considering the advice from the Bangladesh Government, the Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current condition.

"In light of this decision, the BCB has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the event authority, to consider relocating all of Bangladesh's matches to a venue outside India."

Bangladesh are scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai during the group stage.

On January 21, the ICC turned down Bangladesh's request to move all their matches to joint-host country Sri Lanka following a board meeting.

In a statement, it confirmed fixtures for the 2026 men's T20 World Cup would proceed as scheduled.

"The decision was taken after considering all security assessments conducted, including independent reviews, all of which indicated there was no threat to Bangladesh players, media persons, officials and fans at any of the tournament venues in India," its statement read.

The ICC added that it would not be feasible to make changes to the tournament schedule at such a late stage and doing so "in the absence of any credible security threat", would set a precedent of jeopardising the sanctity of future ICC events and "undermine its neutrality as a global governing body".

following the board meeting that the ICC would give Bangladesh one more day to agree to play in India, or be replaced by Scotland, based on current rankings.

With regard to Mustafizur Rahman's IPL suspension, the ICC called it an "isolated and unrelated development."

England are due to face Bangladesh at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday February 14 in Group C, a pool that also features West Indies, Italy and Nepal.

Harry Brook's side are set to play all of their first-round matches in India, starting against Nepal in Mumbai on Sunday February 8 before facing West Indies at the same venue on Wednesday February 11.

A clash with Italy in Kolkata on Monday February 16 follows the Bangladesh encounter in the same city. If the Bangladesh fixture is now moved, it would add to England's travel.

Tags:

cricket news

Share this article

Related Posts

The Ashes, Australia vs England: Lack of spin bowling has deprived fans of variety in Test series, says Michael Atherton

The Ashes, Australia vs England: Lack of spin bowling has deprived fans of variety in Test series, says Michael Atherton

We have seen plenty of action throughout an Ashes series played in fast-forward - but not much in the way of frontline spin bowling.England have not p...

Damien Martyn: Former Australia batter could move out of intensive care after 'miraculous' turnaround following meningitis diagnosis

Damien Martyn: Former Australia batter could move out of intensive care after 'miraculous' turnaround following meningitis diagnosis

Doctors are hopeful of releasing former Australia batter Damien Martyn from intensive care, with the 54-year-old making a "miraculous" turnaround afte...

England Women cricket fixtures and results 2026: T20 World Cup, India Test match at Lord's and more

England Women cricket fixtures and results 2026: T20 World Cup, India Test match at Lord's and more

Full fixtures for England's women's side in 2026, including the home T20 World Cup.All times UK and Ireland 🕰️

The Ashes: Joe Root would 'love to' make next tour of Australia at age 39 as Sydney ton hailed 'one of his best'

The Ashes: Joe Root would 'love to' make next tour of Australia at age 39 as Sydney ton hailed 'one of his best'

Your Site' Michael Atherton hailed Joe Root's 41st Test century as "one of his very best innings", but could the 35-year-old keep going for another fo...

England men cricket fixtures and results 2026: T20 World Cup, plus games vs India, Pakistan, New Zealand and more

England men cricket fixtures and results 2026: T20 World Cup, plus games vs India, Pakistan, New Zealand and more

Full fixtures for England's men's side in 2026, including the T20 World Cup and home white-ball series against India.All times UK and Ireland 🕰️

The Ashes: England's Jamie Smith blasted after 'one of worst dismissals ever seen' against Australia at SCG

The Ashes: England's Jamie Smith blasted after 'one of worst dismissals ever seen' against Australia at SCG

We have a new winner of England's worst dismissal of this Ashes series.The culprit was Jamie Smith, who ended a skittish innings of 46 on day two at t...