The ongoing tension between the Indian and Bangladesh cricket boards has become a major talking point in world cricket. The situation escalated after the BCCI excluded Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, following which the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) took a series of strong steps.
The BCB reportedly wrote to the ICC, expressing its unwillingness to play the T20 World Cup in India and requesting that Bangladesh’s matches be shifted from Indian venues to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC is understood to have rejected this demand. In response to the ICC’s decision, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has come out openly in support of Bangladesh.
Afridi Slams ICC’s Approach
Shahid Afridi shared his views on the issue during a discussion on Pakistan’s Saam TV. He strongly criticised the ICC’s role in the ongoing India-Bangladesh dispute and described its attitude as disgraceful for global cricket. Afridi urged the ICC to reassess its mindset and adopt a fairer and more balanced approach.
“ICC Shows Bias Towards India”
According to Afridi, the ICC’s handling of the matter reflects clear bias in favour of India. He warned that if such an approach continues, more countries could distance themselves from India in the future, just as Bangladesh has taken a strong stand now. Afridi emphasised that this perceived partiality has damaged the credibility of world cricket and needs to be addressed immediately.
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Schedule
The 2026 T20 World Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with the tournament set to begin on February 7. Bangladesh are slated to play all of their group-stage matches in India. Out of four group games, three are scheduled in Kolkata, while one will be played in Mumbai.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board had formally requested the ICC to change these venues, but reports suggest the governing body has declined the request. With tensions still unresolved, the controversy surrounding Bangladesh’s participation and the ICC’s decision-making continues to intensify.
