What will happen as Bangladesh refuse to come to India for T20 World Cup 2026? Where can they Play?

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India-Bangladesh relations face a historic low following Bangladesh's 2024 political upheaval, with anti-India protests, communal violence. This strain has now impacted cricket, as IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman on BCCI instructions after backlash from politicians, religious leaders, and fans.

KKR signed Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction in December 2025, but protests erupted over his retention amid Bangladesh tensions.

In its official statement, KKR said: "Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL as the regulator of IPL has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming IPL season. The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India". BCCI assured KKR a replacement per IPL rules.

Outrage came from BJP leader Sangeet Som, who called it "the victory of the Hindus of the entire nation," thanking BCCI for heeding "the sentiments of 100 crore people".

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated: "Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their player, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad. If they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement". The decision follows incidents like the lynching of Hindu youths in Bangladesh, amplifying calls to separate politics from sport.

Amid this, there are reports that Bangladesh may not come to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is set to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka from February 7. Bangladesh's matches have been scheduled in Kolkata, but they are not willing to play on Indian soil. Bangladesh's sports minister Asif Nazrul has already asked ICC to shift their matches out of India.

Where can Bangladesh play T20 World Cup?

If Bangladesh decides to play outside of India, their appeal will entirely depend of ICC's approval. If the apex body of world cricket dismisses their demand and Bangladesh doesn't come to India, they will have to automatically forfeit the tournament.

But if ICC approves a different venue, Bangladesh's matches may well be played in Sri Lanka, across the venues in the island country. It will be a logistical nuisance as well, given that the other teams in Bangladesh's group have matches scheduled in India.