The upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, is facing a significant venue controversy involving Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally refused to send its national team to India for their scheduled group stage matches, citing security concerns. This stance stems from what has been dubbed the 'Mustafizur Rahman row,' where the fast bowler was controversially released by his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), for the 2026 season on instructions from the BCCI. This incident, amidst broader geopolitical tensions and reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, has strained cricketing relations. The BCB has officially requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh's matches, preferably to co-host Sri Lanka. They have indicated that even alternative venues within India would not resolve their concerns. In response to this unfolding situation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially approached the ICC, offering to host Bangladesh's matches. This offer is specifically contingent on Sri Lankan venues being unable to accommodate Bangladesh's fixtures, should they be shifted out of India. While the ICC has publicly acknowledged reviewing Bangladesh's concerns and remains in discussions with the board, some reports suggest the ICC has already rejected Bangladesh's request to move matches out of India, asserting there are no compelling security threats. The ICC has previously confirmed that all matches involving Pakistan during the 2026 T20 World Cup will be played in Sri Lanka due to existing bilateral restrictions. Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play three group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. This ongoing dispute highlights the complex interplay of sports, politics, and diplomacy in the subcontinent.