Explained: 5 Key Points on What Could Happen if ICC Shifts Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Matches

The controversy surrounding Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman and his exclusion from the IPL 2026 has escalated into a potential international cricket crisis. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), acting on government instructions, has raised concerns with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the safety of its players in India. The board has requested that Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India be shifted to Sri Lanka. While ICC has not officially confirmed the change, reports suggest that the body is preparing a revised schedule. Here’s a breakdown of the issue in five points:

1. Background of the Controversy

• Mustafizur Rahman was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹9.2 crore.
• Following anti-Muslim protests in Bangladesh, some Hindu groups threatened KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan over Rahman’s participation.
• KKR was instructed to select another player, leading to Mustafizur being released from the IPL squad.
• In protest, the Bangladesh government declared it would not send its team to play in India for the T20 World Cup.
• BCB formally wrote to ICC, citing player safety concerns and requesting match relocation. Reports claim ICC Chairman Jay Shah has begun considering a new schedule.

2. Implications if Matches Are Shifted

• Bangladesh is in Group C with England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy.
• Scheduled matches in India:
• Eden Gardens, Kolkata – vs West Indies, England, Italy
• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai – vs Nepal
• Shifting these matches would negatively affect local businesses and host revenues, impacting both ICC and BCCI’s operational gains.

3. Loss of Ticket Revenue

• Eden Gardens: 63,000 spectators maximum; Wankhede: 33,000 spectators maximum.
• Potential ticket revenue:
• Eden Gardens three matches: ~₹2.52 crore
• Wankhede one match: ~₹82.5 lakh
• Relocating Bangladesh’s matches would result in significant ticket sales losses for ICC and indirect revenue losses for BCCI.

4. How BCCI Earns from Hosting

• According to the ICC-BCCI agreement, ticket revenue belongs to ICC.
• BCCI earns from on-ground operations, local sponsorship, and stadium activations.
• Matches being moved would reduce these operational and sponsorship gains for India.

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5. Three Potential Revenue Scenarios for BCCI

1. Matches shifted and no replacement in India – BCCI could lose ₹7–30 crore.
2. Matches shifted but replaced with other games in India – Loss reduced but ticket demand could fluctuate depending on the replacement team.
3. Venue swap within India – Revenue loss minimized but logistics and re-planning costs would increase.

• The outcome will affect BCCI’s influence within ICC, which relies not only on market and sponsorship clout but also on a strong Asian voting bloc. Bangladesh joining Pakistan’s stance could weaken India’s decision-making power in ICC, while Gulf associate members might also reconsider support.