The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India, preferably to co-host Sri Lanka. This move comes amidst escalating diplomatic tensions and security concerns between India and Bangladesh. The genesis of the row is the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) instruction to IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL 2026 contract. The BCCI cited "recent developments" and "unrest" linked to alleged violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh as reasons for Mustafizur's release, a decision that sparked considerable outrage in Bangladesh. Subsequently, the Bangladesh government also banned the broadcast of IPL 2026 in the country. In a significant development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially offered to host Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches, particularly if Sri Lankan venues are unable to accommodate the additional fixtures or if Bangladesh remains unwilling to play in India. This offer further complicates the logistical challenges for the ICC, especially given that Pakistan's own matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 are already scheduled to be played exclusively in Sri Lanka due to existing political tensions with India. The ICC has reportedly not approved Bangladesh's request for a venue change, with some reports even suggesting an ultimatum to play in India or face forfeiture. However, the BCB has refuted claims of an ultimatum, stating their intention to work with the ICC. Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has publicly acknowledged the mental toll the ongoing controversy is taking on players, stating they are "acting" professional despite the stress. Adding a twist, Bangladeshi ICC Elite Panel umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat's recent presence officiating an India vs New Zealand ODI in India has led to questions regarding the legitimacy of Bangladesh's blanket security concerns. The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026.