The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced that it will not play its scheduled T20 World Cup matches in India next month. This decision comes after bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by his IPL team amid rising diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The BCB cited security concerns and the current political climate as reasons for seeking a neutral venue for their fixtures.

The 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is now facing logistical challenges as the ICC considers alternative arrangements. This move reflects the increasing impact of political relations on international sports. Fans in both countries have expressed disappointment, as the India-Bangladesh rivalry is usually one of the most anticipated matchups in the tournament.