Kolkata/Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is considering relocating its Twenty20 World Cup matches from India following the release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman by his Indian Premier League (IPL) team, amid escalating tensions between the two countries.
The Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed that they had released Rahman after being directed to do so by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Bangladesh is scheduled to play T20 World Cup matches in Kolkata next month, as part of a tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Tensions between India and Bangladesh intensified last month after Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu factory worker, was beaten and set on fire in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district by a crowd that accused him of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad.
A total of 12 people were arrested in connection with his death. Relations were already strained after Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to New Delhi amid protests against her leadership.
Following Rahman’s release, the BCB convened an emergency meeting and plans to write to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to request the relocation of its matches and raise concerns about player safety.
Amzad Hussain, chairman of the BCB Media Committee, told ESPNCricinfo that, “We have three matches of the T20 World Cup in Kolkata, so we will write to the ICC regarding what has happened today.”
Cricket news site Cricbuzz reported that the BCB will also request a formal explanation from the BCCI regarding Rahman’s release. Last year, the ICC allowed India to play Champions Trophy matches in the United Arab Emirates due to strained relations with Pakistan.
Bangladesh is scheduled to play West Indies, England, and Italy in Kolkata before ending the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai. Neither the ICC nor the BCB immediately responded to requests for comment. This situation has raised concerns about player safety and the potential impact of political tensions on the World Cup matches, prompting Bangladesh to take proactive measures ahead of the tournament.
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