Bangladesh Seeks Sri Lanka Venue for T20 World Cup Matches

Bangladesh has announced plans to request that its matches in next month’s T20 World Cup be played in Sri Lanka instead of India, following the release of a Bangladeshi player from the Indian Premier League amid diplomatic tensions.

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said Bangladesh would not tolerate any action that disrespects the country or its cricketers. Speaking in a statement carried by the state-run BSS news agency on Sunday, he said Bangladesh would stand firm in protecting its dignity and security.

The issue arose after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday. The IPL franchise said the decision came after being advised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following rising tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

Nazrul said he has instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board to formally write to the International Cricket Council (ICC). He said the board should make it clear that if a contracted Bangladeshi player cannot safely play in India, then the national team would also feel unsafe playing there during the World Cup.

He added that Bangladesh has requested its World Cup matches be moved to Sri Lanka to ensure the safety and confidence of its players.

The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play all four of its group-stage matches in India.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will play all of its matches in Sri Lanka under an existing arrangement that allows India and Pakistan to compete at neutral venues in multinational tournaments.