Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the growing uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 matches scheduled in India, stating that the final call rests entirely with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). His remarks come amid reports that Bangladeshis are reluctant to travel to India following recent developments involving Mustafizur Rahman and rising cross-border tensions.
The controversy stems from the BCCI’s directive to Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, a move taken in the backdrop of ongoing communal and political unrest between the two neighbouring nations. The decision did not sit well with the BCB, which subsequently chose not to send its players to India for the global tournament and instead requested a change of venue.
Speaking to Tribune India, Harbhajan made it clear that while India remains open to hosting all teams, Bangladesh must decide what it feels is best for its players and board. He also pointed out that logistical solutions are readily available, noting that Sri Lanka has been named a co-host of the tournament.
ALSO READ: Shreyas Iyer Returns As Mumbai Captain For Remainder of Vijay Hazare Trophy
“Due to the various events that have taken place in the past few days, Bangladesh does not want to come to India. Whatever happened in Bangladesh is unfortunate and wrong. ICC needs to decide on their request. We welcome everyone to India, but whether they want to come here or not is their choice,” Harbhajan Singh said.
Bangladesh, placed in Group C of the league stage, was initially scheduled to play three matches in India, all at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. These fixtures included games against Italy and England, as well as another group-stage encounter. The BCB has now formally approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider relocating these matches, potentially to Sri Lanka.
Significantly, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that it will not influence the ICC’s final decision. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia recently confirmed that the instruction to release Mustafizur Rahman was communicated clearly to KKR, and the franchise complied accordingly.
“Due to the recent developments, BCCI instructed KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. If the franchise asks for a replacement, BCCI will allow that,” Saikia stated.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli Takes U-Turn, Set To Skip Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy Match
The T20 World Cup 2026 is just over a month away, with Bangladesh set to begin their campaign against West Indies on February 7. They were also scheduled to face Italy and England in Kolkata, fixtures now clouded by uncertainty. With the tournament featuring 20 teams and tight scheduling, the ICC faces a significant logistical challenge in making last-minute adjustments.
As things stand, all eyes are on the ICC’s response, which will be crucial in determining whether Bangladesh’s matches remain in India or are shifted to an alternative venue.
