Bangladesh’s interim administration has instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to pursue the relocation of the country’s T20 World Cup matches from India, escalating tensions between the two neighbours that are now spilling over into cricket.

The directive was confirmed by sports adviser Asif Nazrul, who said the BCB has been asked to formally communicate with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and propose Sri Lanka as an alternative venue for Bangladesh’s games. The issue was discussed during an urgent BCB meeting held on Saturday.

The move follows a controversial decision involving Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, who were directed by the Indian cricket board to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman despite his valid contract. The development triggered sharp reactions in Bangladesh, with several officials and former players calling it discriminatory and politically motivated.

Nazrul, in a strongly worded public statement, said Bangladesh would not tolerate what he described as disrespect toward its players or its cricketing identity. He argued that if a Bangladeshi cricketer could not safely or fairly participate in India’s domestic league, then it raised serious concerns about the safety of the national team travelling to India for a global tournament.

The sports adviser also said the government had asked for the suspension of IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh, framing the issue as a matter of national dignity rather than sport alone.

BCB officials indicated that while the request would be conveyed, the final call rests with the ICC, as India is the official host of the tournament. The board stressed that player security would be its top priority in any decision-making process.

Former Bangladesh cricketers and administrators joined the criticism, expressing disappointment over Mustafizur’s removal and pointing out that Bangladeshi fans have historically supported IPL teams featuring players from their country.

The episode comes at a time when diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh are already strained, with bilateral cricket ties also under pressure. Plans for an India tour of Bangladesh, involving limited-overs matches, remain uncertain after earlier postponements linked to security concerns.

With political friction now intersecting with international sport, Bangladesh’s request to move its World Cup fixtures marks a significant moment that could test the ICC’s ability to balance hosting rights, player safety, and regional sensitivities.