Bangladesh has made a definitive decision not to send its cricket team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, solidifying its stance following the controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman's release from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Citing unresolved safety concerns and expressing strong disapproval of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) actions, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also withdrawn the No Objection Certificate (NOC) previously granted to Mustafizur Rahman for participation in the IPL.

Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh's sports advisor, confirmed the decision, stating that the BCB has decided against playing their Twenty20 World Cup matches in India. The decision stems from Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) release of Mustafizur Rahman, allegedly under instructions from the BCCI, which has fueled tensions between the two cricketing nations. Bangladesh are scheduled to play three T20 World Cup matches in Kolkata. The tournament is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, scheduled from February 7 to March 8.

The BCB held an emergency meeting after Mustafizur's release and is planning to formally communicate with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to request the relocation of their matches, citing concerns for player safety. Amzad Hussain, the BCB media committee chairman, stated that the board would address the ICC regarding the situation. The BCB will also seek a formal explanation from the BCCI regarding Mustafizur's release.

Reportedly, the government intervened and pushed the BCB to seek a relocation to Sri Lanka raising concerns about player safety in India.

This decision follows a recent violent incident in Bangladesh where a Hindu factory worker was killed, further straining relations between the two countries. Tensions were already heightened due to protests against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which led her to briefly seek refuge in New Delhi.

Bangladesh is scheduled to play against West Indies, England, and Italy in Kolkata, with their final group stage match against Nepal in Mumbai. The BCB's withdrawal raises serious questions about the smooth execution of the T20 World Cup and adds a layer of uncertainty to the tournament.