As India prepares to step onto the field for its opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026, the noise has already begun. Not from the crowd and not from the pitch but from the headlines. Long before the Men in Blue take guard, controversies have crept in, dragging memories of past turbulence along with them. This World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, has arrived with controversies even before the first ball has been delivered.

Bangladesh, security fears, and a firm ICC stand

One of the biggest flashpoints has been Bangladesh’s unease about playing its matches in India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board raised alarms and pushed for a venue shift to Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns. The ICC listened and investigated but after reviewing independent security reports, the governing body found no credible risk to players, officials, or fans at Indian venues.

(Credit - Cricket Addictor)

The verdict was clear -- the schedule stays. The ICC also warned that altering fixtures this close to the tournament could open a dangerous precedent. A January 21 deadline was handed to Bangladesh. Confirm participation or face disqualification, Scotland waits in the wings.

How an IPL call lit the fuse

The roots of the dispute trace back to the IPL. The BCCI reportedly instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their 2026 squad due to “unspecified developments.” The move sent shockwaves across Dhaka.

In response, the BCB banned IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh and formally told the ICC it would not travel to India for the World Cup. What began as a franchise decision snowballed into a full-blown international standoff, dragging cricket boards and diplomats into the conversation.

Visa delays add another layer of unease

The storm didn’t stop there. USA cricketers of PAK origin found themselves caught in visa limbo. Ali Khan’s social media post claiming rejection sparked concern, though officials later clarified that applications were still under review.

(Credit - The Indian Express)

Four USA players completed formalities at the Indian High Commission in Colombo. The delay, authorities said, was procedural and special-category visas require additional scrutiny. The ICC stepped in to smooth the process, even as PAK voiced support for Bangladesh and hinted at a possible boycott.

Selection calls that split opinion at home

Back in India, the selection of team also drew criticism. Shubman Gill’s exclusion stunned many. Recently elevated to vice-captaincy in other formats, Gill was left out as the team opted for flexibility. Ishan Kishan’s prolific domestic run earned him an opening slot.

Even before the first ball has been delivered, there have been several controversies and it will be interesting to see what happens in the tournament, especially when India takes the field against PAK and Bangladesh.