Mustafizur Rahman Row: Bangladesh may reconsider playing T20 World Cup in India – Report
The “Mustafizur Row” has officially entered its most unpredictable phase yet. Just when it seemed like the bridge between the BCCI and the BCB had completely burned, there’s a flicker of a “second thought” coming from Dhaka.
After a week of high-voltage drama, starting with the BCCI directing Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman and ending with a flat-out refusal from Bangladesh to travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup, we might be seeing a slight softening of stances. According to recent reports by The Telegraph, the BCB has asked for a bit more time to consult with their government before making their “final” final decision.
The ICC’s Race Against Time
Let’s be real: the ICC is sweating. The T20 World Cup kicks off on February 7, exactly one month from today. If the BCB sticks to its demand to move their matches to Sri Lanka, it’s not just a matter of changing a flight.
- Sold Out Seats: Tickets for the high-profile clashes at Eden Gardens and Wankhede have already been sold.
- The Logistics Trap: Shifting teams, broadcasters, and the massive “traveling circus” of the world media to Sri Lanka at the eleventh hour is a logistical nightmare.
An administrator close to the developments put it perfectly – “ICC will try to coax and convince Bangladesh to play in India. It’s not just about the two teams, it also involves the spectators, fans, broadcasters, and traveling media.”
Where the Games Currently Stand
As per the original schedule, Bangladesh’s path to the trophy runs right through the heart of Indian cricket:
| Match | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh vs West Indies | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Feb 7 |
| Bangladesh vs Italy | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Feb 9 |
| Bangladesh vs England | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Feb 14 |
| Bangladesh vs Nepal | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | Feb 17 |
Diplomacy or Default?
The tension is palpable. The Bangladeshi government’s ban on IPL telecasts was a massive statement of intent, but pulling out of a World Cup is a different beast entirely. Forfeiting these games would likely lead to zero points and a potential disqualification, a heavy price for any cricketing nation to pay.
The next few days are critical. Will the “coaxing” from the ICC and the lure of playing at the iconic Eden Gardens be enough to settle the nerves? Or will the diplomatic rift prove too wide to bridge?