From Mustafizur to the World Cup crossroads

What began as Mustafizur Rahman’s sudden omission from the Indian Premier League (IPL) quickly spiralled into a broader diplomatic and cricketing standoff, ultimately casting uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. A series of statements, board-level decisions, and exchanges with the International Cricket Council (ICC) followed, as Bangladesh repeatedly sought to have its World Cup matches relocated from India amid security concerns. The developments unfolded rapidly over the past three weeks, shaping Bangladesh’s fate in a tournament scheduled to begin on February 7 in Sri Lanka and India.

Jan 3:

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) drop Mustafizur Rahman from the squad on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), causing uproar in Bangladesh’s cricket fraternity. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul says he has “instructed the BCB to ask the ICC to shift Bangladesh's World Cup matches to Sri Lanka.” He also asks the “information and broadcast adviser not to broadcast the IPL in Bangladesh.”

Jan 4:

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally requests the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches outside India, with the board refusing to send the national team to India due to security concerns, heeding the government’s advice. The board, however, also announces Bangladesh’s 15-member squad for the tournament.

Jan 5:

The Bangladesh interim government decides to suspend the broadcast of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Jan 6:

The ICC and BCB hold a virtual meeting, with ESPNcricinfo reporting that the cricket’s global governing body rejected Bangladesh’s venue relocation request and informed the BCB that they would be risking forfeiting points if they do not go to India for the World Cup.

Jan 7:

The BCB informs that no such ultimatum was issued by the ICC.

Jan 8:

The BCB pens a second letter to the ICC, reiterating its relocation request.

Jan 12:

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul once again reaffirms the stance of not going to India for the World Cup, while mentioning three points highlighted by the ICC Security team regarding Bangladesh and Mustafizur Rahman if they travel to India for the World Cup.

Jan 13:

The BCB reaffirms its decision not to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, citing security concerns, during a video conference with the ICC. During the meeting, the ICC urges the BCB to reconsider its position.

Jan 17:

An ICC delegate arrives for a meeting with the BCB, as talks between the two continue.

Jan 18:

A report by ESPNcricinfo states that the BCB has been handed a deadline of January 21 to reconsider its stance on not travelling to India.

Jan 20:

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul says Bangladesh will not accept any unreasonable conditions if the ICC creates pressure on the country “under the influence of the Indian Cricket Board.”

Jan 21:

The ICC rejects Bangladesh’s relocation request in a video conference, with a report from ESPNcricinfo claiming that the BCB was given a day’s time to confer with the government and decide whether it would send the team to India for the World Cup. The ICC also issues a press release stating that it is keeping the T20 World Cup schedule unchanged, with Bangladesh’s matches in India.