Sources have confirmed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to formally approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) following the release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL), citing serious security reasons.
The decision was taken during an emergency virtual advisory meeting chaired by PCB Chairman Aminul Islam.
During the meeting, it was agreed that an immediate letter would be sent to the ICC highlighting the concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladeshi players in India.
According to sources, the PCB will seek clarification from the ICC regarding the security arrangements for the Bangladesh team during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held jointly in India and Sri Lanka.
The team wants to question how a whole team can be adequately protected during a global tournament if it is not possible to ensure safety for a single player.
“If India cannot provide security to one player, how will the security of the entire team be ensured during the World Cup?” The officials said during the meeting, sources said.
The PCB has also decided to write separate letters to the IPL governing body and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeking a written explanation for Rahman’s release.
Sources say that neither the IPL officials nor the BCCI have formally communicated any reason to the PCB.
Earlier on Saturday, IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) confirmed Mustafizur Rahman’s release, saying the move was made following orders from the BCCI.
“Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL has instructed the IPL controller to release Mustafizur Rahman from the team ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season,” the franchise said in a statement.
KKR confirmed that a substitute is allowed under IPL regulations.
BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia later told Indian news agency ANI that the decision was taken in light of the recent tensions and unrest surrounding the Bangladesh player’s participation in the league.
“Due to recent developments, BCCI has advised Kolkata Knight Riders to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman, from their squad,” Saikia said.
Reports in the Bangladeshi media suggest that the decision was influenced by pressure from extremist religious leaders and political figures in India who have publicly called for Bangladeshi cricketers not to play in the country.
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan-owned KKR is also said to have acted on direct instructions from the BCCI.
Following the development, the PCB is considering raising an issue with the ICC over Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India.
Subject to ICC’s approval, the board may seek to change the venues where they are likely to play their matches in Sri Lanka, a senior PCB official said.
“I cannot comment on Mustafizur’s release as it is an internal IPL matter, but participation in the World Cup is an ICC matter and the ICC will take the final decision after considering all aspects,” the official was quoted as saying.
Bangladesh have been placed in Group C of the 2026 T20 World Cup and are scheduled to open their campaign against the West Indies on February 7 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
They will face Italy and England at the same venue on February 9 and 14 respectively before completing their group-stage matches against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 17.