Mustafizur Rahman, a pacer from Bangladesh, was released from the Indian Premier League 2026. This debate has escalated into a significant political and diplomatic conflict. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is now advocating for decisive action ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, following his abrupt departure from Kolkata Knight Riders at the behest of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. With the competition only a few weeks away, the BCCI has bluntly responded to these proposals, calling some of them ridiculous.
Reactions to Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Exit
A crucial spinner for Bangladesh and one of the priciest purchases in the IPL auction, Mustafizur Rahman was asked to quit the KKR team as tensions increased due to allegations of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and mounting political pressure in India. His contract was terminated at the BCCI’s instruction, which infuriated many Bangladeshi cricket authorities and fans.
Bangladesh’s Demand to Move T20 World Cup Games
Asif Nazrul, an advisor to Bangladesh’s sports minister, responded by urging the BCB to bring the issue before the International Cricket Council. Due to safety concerns and in protest of Mustafizur’s disqualification from the IPL, the BCB has been instructed to request that Bangladesh’s four T20 World Cup league matches, scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai, be moved to Sri Lanka.
BCCI’s Reaction: Venue Change Not Possible
With just one month remaining before the tournament starts, the BCCI has responded forcefully to Bangladesh’s bid to move World Cup matches, calling it impracticable and practically impossible. Moving games at this time is not feasible due to logistical constraints, including scheduled travel, lodging, TV crew arrangements, and set match schedules, according to a senior BCCI source. The BCCI stressed that due to the strict planning and obligations made by teams and organizers, matches cannot be changed “on someone’s whim.”
