Did BCCI Really Plan Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL 2026 Return? BCB Chief Breaks Silence

New Delhi: Cricket relations between India and Bangladesh have once again reached a critical point. The root of the controversy is the case of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman related to IPL and the T20 World Cup. Recently, it was claimed in Bangladeshi media that the Board of Control for Cricket in India has offered Mustafizur's return in IPL 2026 to normalize the situation. But this claim has been completely rejected by Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam. He clearly said that there has been no discussion on this subject between the two boards.

Did BCCI propose Mustafizur's return?

Speaking to Bangladeshi newspaper Aajker, Aminul Islam said that he had received neither any written information nor any verbal discussion. He also clarified that he did not even talk to any of his board members on this issue. According to him, this news is completely baseless and is being spread wrongly.

How did the controversy start?

This whole controversy started when Kolkata Knight Riders included Mustafizur in the IPL squad. After this some organizations in India opposed it. The reason for the protest was said to be the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. When the situation worsened, BCCI asked KKR to release the bowler.

Why did BCB refuse to come to India?

Bangladesh Cricket Board got angry with this decision of BCCI. After this the board refused to play the T20 World Cup match to be held in India. Bangladesh requested the International Cricket Council to shift their matches to Sri Lanka.

Were there any talks between ICC and BCB?

BCB says that they have made it clear twice that the team will not come to India. Despite this, no concrete response has come from the ICC. The Board believes that ICC is not taking this matter seriously and security is being taken lightly.

Security or respect, what is the real issue?

Bangladesh's sports advisor Asif Nazrul did not just link the matter to security. He said that it is also a question of national insult. His argument is that when BCCI itself believes that a player cannot be given security, then how can it be considered safe to play in India.

What will be the impact on the schedule of the T20 World Cup?

The T20 World Cup is to start on February 7. Bangladesh's first three matches are scheduled for Kolkata and the last match for Mumbai. If the impasse is not resolved, there could be major changes in the tournament schedule.

What solution can emerge next?

At present both the boards are adamant on their stand. There is neither agreement on Mustafizur's IPL return nor clarity on the World Cup venue. In the coming days, the role of ICC is being considered decisive in this entire dispute.