Bangladesh has formally told the International Cricket Council that it will not travel to India for next month’s T20 World Cup, repeating its stance during high-level talks held on Tuesday.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board said it asked the ICC to move its World Cup matches from India to co-host Sri Lanka, arguing that current political tensions raise serious security concerns for players and officials.
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The dispute intensified after Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was forced to leave the Indian Premier League, despite being signed for over one million dollars by a Kolkata franchise in December.
Relations between India and Bangladesh worsened after a 2024 mass uprising in Dhaka removed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, prompting sharp diplomatic exchanges and public accusations from both governments.
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Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus rejected India’s claims of widespread minority violence, while the BCB said its refusal to travel remains unchanged despite ICC requests to reconsider.
Bangladesh, captained by Litton Das, will enter the tournament ranked ninth in T20 cricket, as talks continue but uncertainty still clouds their World Cup participation plans.