Bangladesh refuse to play T20 World Cup matches in India over player safety

The decision comes after star bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL on BCCI instructions.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said it had resolved not to send the team "under the current conditions" and formally requested the ICC to relocate all of Bangladesh's matches, suggesting Sri Lanka as an alternative. Sports adviser Asif Nazrul emphasized that if a Bangladeshi player cannot play safely in India, the entire team cannot feel secure.

BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul said the dignity and security of players remain the board's top priority. Should the ICC approve the request, Bangladesh would join Pakistan, who have previously played ICC matches outside India due to political tensions.

The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, had scheduled Bangladesh's games in Kolkata and Mumbai, against West Indies, England, Italy, and Nepal.

The release of Mustafizur, confirmed by KKR and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, triggered an emergency BCB meeting. The situation is compounded by growing diplomatic strains, including incidents of communal violence affecting Bangladeshis in India. The ICC has yet to respond to the relocation request. 

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