Bangladesh Seeks Relocation of T20 World Cup Matches from India Amid Mustafizur Controversy

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is preparing to request the ICC to relocate their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns following the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad. This move comes after a series of political tensions between Bangladesh and India, with Mustafizur's exclusion reportedly influenced by the deteriorating relations.

Bangladesh's scheduled three matches in Kolkata are now under scrutiny. BCB’s media committee chairman, Amzad Hussain, confirmed that the board will formally write to the ICC to address the issue. Additionally, Bangladesh's sports adviser, Dr. Asif Nazrul, expressed concerns about the safety of the entire team in India, pointing out that if a contracted Bangladeshi cricketer like Mustafizur is not safe, the team's security could be at risk.

Nazrul has also instructed the BCB to officially request that Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches be moved to Sri Lanka. Furthermore, he has called for a halt to the broadcasting of the IPL in Bangladesh as a response to the treatment of Mustafizur.

Bangladesh's T20 World Cup fixtures are currently scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai, with their opening match against West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens.