05 January,2026 02:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Harbhajan Singh (Pic: File Pic)
Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate all their matches from India to alternative venues, citing safety and security concerns.
While speaking about it, the former cricketer stated that India welcomes all the teams, but whether Bangladesh want to travel or not is their decision. He also said that the ICC needs to make a decision on BCB's request.
"Due to the various events that have taken place in the past few days, Bangladesh does not want to come to India. Whatever happened in Bangladesh is wrong. ICC needs to make a decision on their request. We welcome everyone to India, but whether they (Bangladesh) want to come here or not is their choice," Harbhajan said while speaking to ANI.
The BCB's request came after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, following directions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia's said that the apex cricket board had instructed the IPL franchise to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman "due to the recent developments".
"Due to the recent developments which is going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad, and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement," Devaijit Saikia had told ANI.
Earlier, the Kolkata-based franchise had acquired the skills of Bangladesh's pacer for Rs 9.20 crore during the IPL 2026 mini auction.
Bangladesh is placed in Group C of T20 World Cup 2026 along with England, Italy, Nepal, and the West Indies. The Bengal Tigers will open their campaign against the West Indies on February 7. According to the current schedule, their first match is to be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Meanwhile, the "Men in Blue" will kick off the tournament against the United States of America on the same date at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
(With ANI Inputs)
