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Visa denial row and Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL exit add fresh twist to India–Bangladesh cricket dispute
January 17, 2026: A fresh controversy has erupted ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to travel to India, citing safety and security concerns for its players. The move came shortly after Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from Kolkata Knight Riders’ squad for IPL 2026. The BCB has demanded that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, though the ICC has not taken a final call and discussions are still ongoing.
The situation took a new turn after reports emerged that an Indian-origin ICC delegate was denied a Bangladesh visa, preventing him from attending talks aimed at resolving the issue. As a result, Andrew Ephgrave, who heads ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security unit, is expected to attend the discussions alone. With the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026, and ticket sales already underway, any last-minute venue change could pose major logistical challenges for organisers.
Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play three of its four group-stage matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with the remaining fixture set for Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Notably, Bangladesh has toured India multiple times in the past for ICC events and bilateral series without reported security concerns. The timing of the protest has raised eyebrows, especially amid internal turmoil within Bangladesh cricket following player protests and controversy involving former BCB officials and ex-captain Tamim Iqbal.