Bangladesh blocks BCCI after Mustafizur Rahman's IPL release

Rajgeeta Yadav

Bangladesh Cricket Board [Source: AFP]Bangladesh Cricket Board [Source: AFP]

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has taken strong and visible steps after the Board of Control for Cricket in India asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. 

Notably, Mustafizur, a 30-year-old left-arm fast bowler, was bought by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore during the IPL auction. His base price was Rs 2 crore, and the bidding became intense with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals also competing.

However, around the same time, reports emerged of multiple Hindus being killed in Bangladesh, which led to strong public anger in India. As a result, pressure grew on KKR and its co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Following days of criticism, the BCCI directed the franchise to release Mustafizur Rahman.

Bangladesh Cricket Board security concerns 

After the release, the Bangladesh Cricket Board reacted firmly. BCB president Aminul Islam stated that the board is worried about the safety of its players if they travel to India. He said, "we do not feel secure" about sending the national team to India for the T20 World Cup under the current situation. 

Aminul spoke to reporters after the BCB officially asked the ICC to move their World Cup matches out of India.

"You know that we, along with all the directors of the cricket board, held two meetings before taking this decision, and at this moment we do not feel secure sending our team to India to play the World Cup," Aminul said. 

BCB opts for ICC communication over BCCI talks 

Aminul Islam also clarified that the BCB is not in direct contact with the BCCI regarding this matter.

 "But what our next step will be depends on the reply to the email we have sent. We are not communicating with the BCCI because this is an ICC event. We are communicating with the ICC," he said.

Notably, the BCB has already sent a formal email and is waiting for a response that may lead to a meeting.

Bangladesh T20 World Cup schedule impact

Notably, Bangladesh were scheduled to play three T20 World Cup matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. The team was placed in Group C and was set to open its campaign against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7. Other group opponents included England, Italy, and Nepal. Following recent events, the BCB requested the ICC to shift these matches to Sri Lanka.

BCB issues indefinite ban on IPL broadcasts

It is important to note that the situation escalated further when the Bangladesh government ordered an indefinite ban on the broadcast and telecast of the IPL. In an official statement, it said, 

“Due to this, a request is made as per instructions to stop the broadcast/ telecast of all matches and programmes of the Indian Premier League.”

At the same time, uncertainty surrounds India’s planned tour of Bangladesh in September 2026, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is. The series is currently on hold as the BCCI waits for government clearance. It is important to mention that the final outcome now rests with the ICC and future diplomatic decisions.