'India welcomes everyone': Harbhajan Singh reacts as Bangladesh seeks T20 World Cup shift amid Mustafizur Rahman row

NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) decision to seek relocation of its matches from India during the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, stressing that while India is open to hosting all teams, the final call rests with Bangladesh and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

The BCB has formally written to the ICC requesting that its fixtures be moved out of India, citing safety and security concerns. The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.



Speaking to ANI on Monday, Harbhajan said the situation had to be viewed calmly and through the right channels. “Due to the various events that have taken place in the past few days, Bangladesh does not want to come to India. Whatever happened in Bangladesh is wrong,” he said. “ICC needs to make a decision on their request. We welcome everyone to India, but whether they want to come here or not is their choice.”

The former off-spinner underlined that such matters fall squarely under the ICC’s jurisdiction and should be resolved institutionally, rather than through public posturing.


The backdrop to the issue includes a series of developments involving cricketing ties between the two countries. Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) confirmed the release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the decision was taken “due to the recent developments” and added that KKR would be allowed to sign a replacement if required. Mustafizur had been picked by the three-time IPL champions for Rs 9.20 crore at last year’s mini-auction.

In response, the Bangladesh government on Monday announced the suspension of IPL 2026 broadcasts in the country. “Under these circumstances… until further notice, all IPL matches and related programs will remain suspended from broadcast/telecast in Bangladesh,” the Press Information Department said in a statement.


Get the latest WPL 2026 updates including WPL teams, full WPL 2026 schedule, and live scores for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals. Also check the latest WPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.