“We Won’t Play in India”: Bangladesh Confirms T20 World Cup Boycott Over “Security” and IPL Snub

In a decision that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially confirmed it will not send its men’s team to India for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The announcement came late Thursday following a high-stakes meeting between BCB officials, players, and the Bangladesh government’s Sports Advisor, Asif Nazrul.

The move marks one of the most significant political interventions in recent cricket history, potentially altering the landscape of the tournament just weeks before it begins on February 7.

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The Catalyst: The Mustafizur Rahman/IPL Row

While the BCB has cited “security concerns” as its primary reason, the root of the standoff traces back to early January.

• The Snub: On January 3, the BCCI reportedly directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release star pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, despite him being their most expensive signing (₹9.20 crore).
• The Fallout: The move, linked to rising political tensions and social media backlash in India, was viewed in Dhaka as a direct insult. In retaliation, Bangladesh banned the broadcast of the IPL within its borders and began questioning the safety of its players on Indian soil.

“Shocking Things” at the ICC Meeting

BCB President Aminul Islam was scathing in his assessment of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) handling of the crisis.

• The Ultimatum: The ICC had given the BCB a 24-hour window to confirm participation, which expired today.
• The Refusal: 14 of the 16 ICC board members voted against shifting Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka, stating there was no “credible threat” to the team in India.
• The Reaction: Islam described the ICC’s stance as a “failure,” claiming the global body is “locking away 200 million people” by refusing to adopt a hybrid model similar to what was granted to India during the Asia Cup.

What Happens Now?

With the boycott confirmed, the tournament’s structure is facing a major reshuffle:

• The Replacement: The ICC has placed Scotland on high alert to take Bangladesh’s spot in Group C (alongside England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy).
• Venue Impact: Bangladesh was scheduled to play its high-profile matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Those venues will now likely host Scotland instead.
• Diplomatic Stance: Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul made it clear that the interim government would not bow to “unreasonable coercion,” stating, “If Mustafizur can’t be provided security in their league, how can we be convinced about the World Cup?”

A Fractured Landscape

The boycott has also divided other member nations. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly backed Bangladesh’s stance on “principle,” they have clarified they will not be joining the boycott. For now, Bangladesh stands alone, a decision that BCB veteran Tamim Iqbal warned could have “consequences ten years down the line.”

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