Bangladesh withdraws from India T20 World Cup matches, citing player safety amid rising political tensions.

Bangladesh Pulls Out of India T20 World Cup Matches Citing Safety Concerns

Bangladesh has announced it will not travel to India for next month’s T20 World Cup, requesting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move all their matches to a different venue. The decision follows growing political tensions between India and Bangladesh, which recently led to the release of bowler Mustafizur Rahman from his Indian Premier League team, Kolkata Knight Riders, at the request of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said the move is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of players, officials, and other stakeholders. Bangladesh was scheduled to play four group-stage matches in India, including against West Indies on the opening day and against England in Kolkata on 14 February.

Political tensions have escalated following violent protests in Bangladesh, including the killing of a Hindu man accused of blasphemy, which further strained ties with India. Anti-India sentiment has reportedly grown after the arrival of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 amid ongoing protests over the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

The ICC has not yet responded to Bangladesh’s request. The BCB also announced the 15-player squad for the tournament, led by captain Litton Das, including Mustafizur Rahman, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, and Nurul Hasan.