Will Bangladesh play T20 World Cup in India? BCCI chief Mithun Manhas clarifies amid Mustafizur Rahman row

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Mithun Manhas has made it clear that Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season following BCCI’s directive to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) due to “recent developments” in Bangladesh will not affect Bangladesh’s participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup to be held in India.

“BCCI took this decision after extensive consultation and Mr. Saikia has already conveyed it to the media. The decision is only related to IPL; we have not discussed the World Cup yet. We will share the details once this is completed,” Manhas told IANS on Saturday.

This announcement comes after BCCI instructed KKR to exclude Bangladesh pacer Rahman from their squad for the 2026 IPL season, citing “recent developments” in Bangladesh. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that KKR will have the option to sign the replacement player if required.

“Due to the recent developments in the entire region, BCCI has instructed franchise owner KKR to exclude Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from its squad and BCCI has also said that if he requests any change, BCCI will allow such change,” said Saikia.

#WRISTWATCH | Guwahati | BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia says, “Due to the recent developments going on in the entire region, BCCI has instructed the KKR franchise to remove one of their players, Bangladeshi Mustafizur Rahman, from their squad and BCCI has also asked if they ask… pic.twitter.com/53oxuRcmZp

— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2026

Political figures from the BJP and Shiv Sena leveled criticism at Shah Rukh Khan and KKR for allegedly ignoring national sentiments. Relations between India and Bangladesh have become increasingly tense following the death of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, in Mymensingh last month.

Multiple reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh have led to growing calls for Rahman’s removal. Earlier, BJP leader Sangeet Som had called Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan “gaddar (traitor)” for signing an actor from Bangladesh.

Rahman was bought by KKR for Rs 9.2 million at the IPL auction in Abu Dhabi in December 2025. He has previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and has taken 65 wickets in 60 matches since the 2016 season of the tournament.

The decision to exclude the Speedster from IPL 2026 has also raised concerns about Bangladesh’s matches scheduled to be held in India during the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh will compete against West Indies, Italy and England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on February 7, 9 and 14, followed by a clash with Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 17.

Also read| BCB urges ICC on T20 World Cup venue change as BCCI freezes India-Bangladesh 2026 tour following Mustafizur Rahman controversy