The controversy that started regarding Mustafizur Rahman is no longer limited to just one player or one team. This matter is gradually becoming a big issue related to international cricket and India-Bangladesh relations. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has clearly said that it does not feel safe in India and hence it has demanded from ICC that its matches in T20 World Cup 2026 should be held in Sri Lanka instead of India. After this demand, the biggest question is whether BCCI can stop this rescheduling and what will be the role of Government of India in this.

ICC’s silence increased the suspense

Till now no official statement has come from the International Cricket Council on this entire matter. Although media reports are claiming that ICC Chairman Jay Shah has indicated to reconsider the schedule, but until a written or official decision comes from the ICC, it is not clear whether Bangladesh’s demand will be accepted or not. There may be a meeting between ICC, BCCI and BCB in the next few days, after which the picture is expected to be clear.

How strong are the rights of BCCI?

T20 World Cup 2026 is being hosted by India and Sri Lanka. In such a situation, BCCI is responsible for the ground level of the matches to be held in India. BCCI is looking after all the arrangements like stadium, security, ticketing, hotel and travel. If the matches are shifted to another place at the last moment, it will affect both logistics and revenue. In such a situation, BCCI has every right to say that it is not easy to change the schedule now.

Why is the entry of Government of India important?

This matter is no longer limited to cricket only. The Bangladesh government has already taken strict steps like banning the telecast of IPL 2026. In such a situation, the decision to reschedule the World Cup matches can also affect the diplomatic relations between the two countries. BCCI can take advice from the Government of India before taking any major decision. Recently former Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia passed away. After that, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar had reached Bangladesh for his funeral. During that time a positive message was sent from both sides. Therefore, the government’s stance on issues like foreign policy and security will be very important.

ICC can take action against Bangladesh?

There are many such examples in the history of cricket, when a team refused to play the match due to security reasons and had to suffer losses. This has happened in the 1996 and 2003 World Cups, where the teams that did not play the match had to lose points. Even in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, Australia was thrown out of the tournament. In such a situation, if Bangladesh refuses to play the match then ICC can take action, although the decision will not be easy due to the example of India-Pakistan matches.

Problems of other teams will also become an issue

If Bangladesh’s matches are shifted from India to Sri Lanka then other teams of its group will also face problems. He will have to travel frequently between India and Sri Lanka, which is difficult in the tight schedule. In such a situation, other teams can also raise objections.

Overall, accepting Bangladesh’s demand is not an easy decision for ICC. The interests of BCCI, Government of India, other teams and crores of fans are all involved in this.

Bangladesh Premier League has started from Friday, December 26, today a sad news came on the second day of the league. On Saturday, the third match of the league was between Rajshahi and Dhaka Capitals, before the start of which Dhaka Capitals’ assistant coach Mahboob Ali Zaki suddenly fell on the field. The supporting staff gave CPR to the coach, then he was taken to the hospital. But he could not be saved.

The Dhaka Capitals team was practicing at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium ahead of their match in the Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 edition. According to the report, Mehboob Ali also talked about the preparations of the team. He also took part in the pre-match drill before the match today, but then he suddenly fell unconscious on the field. He was provided immediate medical aid by the support staff present there and CPR was also given. He was taken to the hospital, where he was declared dead.

Dhaka Capitals said in its official statement, “It is with great sadness that we have to inform that the assistant coach of the Dhaka Capitals family has passed away after suffering a heart attack. We are deeply saddened by this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace and our deepest condolences to the bereaved family.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board deeply mourns the passing of Mahbub Ali Zaki (59), Specialist Pace Bowling Coach of the BCB Game Development Department and Assistant Coach of Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 2026.

He passed away today, 27 December 2025, in… pic.twitter.com/p1ImtCNX0G

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) December 27, 2025

Bangladesh Cricket Board paid tribute

Bangladesh Cricket Board posted, “The Board expresses its deep sorrow on the demise of Mahboob Ali Zaki (59), Assistant Coach of Dhaka Capitals in Bangladesh Premier League 2026. He passed away today, 27 December 2025, at approximately 1:00 pm in Sylhet. Mahboob Ali Zaki’s dedication and invaluable contribution to fast bowling and the development of Bangladesh cricket will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude. Bangladesh Cricket Board at this sad time. I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the entire cricket world.”