The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has responded to the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) potential request to move their T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka, stating that such a shift would be a "logistical nightmare". This comes amid rising tensions after the BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.

Bangladesh's interim government has instructed the BCB to formally ask the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move their matches out of India, proposing Sri Lanka as an alternative venue. This decision was confirmed by Bangladesh's sports advisor, Asif Nazrul, who conveyed the directive via a social media post. The request stems from concerns about player safety and security. Nazrul stated that Bangladesh cannot feel safe sending its team to India if a contracted Bangladeshi cricketer is not allowed to play in the country. He also mentioned he has requested to stop broadcasting IPL matches in Bangladesh.

The BCB held an emergency meeting to discuss the matter. While BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul has not commented publicly after the meeting, Nazrul has been vocal about the issue. He has directed the BCB to inform the ICC that Bangladesh does not consider it safe for its cricket team to travel to India for the World Cup if a Bangladeshi cricketer with a valid contract cannot play.

The BCCI, however, has downplayed the feasibility of changing venues with the tournament just a month away. A BCCI source stated that it's not possible to change the schedule based on someone's "whims and fancies". The source added that it would create a logistical nightmare, considering the bookings and arrangements already in place for opposition teams, broadcast crews, and other logistical aspects. They highlighted the complexity of the situation, especially with three games scheduled each day, including one in Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh is scheduled to play its first three matches in Kolkata against West Indies (February 7), Italy (February 9), and England (February 14), followed by a match against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

The ICC is yet to comment on the situation. According to ICC regulations, both the BCB and the Bangladesh government must formally lodge a complaint with the ICC regarding security concerns. The ICC will then review the matter and make a final decision.