Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul has dismissed reports that the BCCI offered Mustafizur Rahman a return to the IPL 2026 amid ongoing tensions between the two boards.
The speculation followed the Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to release the Bangladesh pacer from their squad, after protests erupted in India over the targeted killings of Hindus in Bangladesh. The move was strongly criticized by the BCB and further strained relations between the boards.
Several Bangladeshi media reports suggested that the BCCI had considered allowing Mustafizur back into the IPL to ease tensions. Bulbul, however, categorically denied the claims. “I have not had any written or verbal discussions with the BCCI regarding Mustafizur’s return to the IPL. I have not spoken to anyone from my board about this. There is no truth to this news,” he told Ajker newspaper.
After Mustafizur’s release, the BCB informed the ICC that it would not play its T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, citing security concerns, and requested that the matches be shifted to co-host Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is scheduled to play four matches in the tournament — three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai — starting February 7. The ICC has not yet confirmed any change of venues.
The BCB added that the ICC has expressed willingness to review its security concerns. On January 8, the board sent a second formal communication to the ICC outlining specific safety issues related to traveling to India, reiterating its request for relocation to Sri Lanka.
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