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Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has described the interim government’s decision to withdraw the team from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as a “blunder”.
In February 2026, the International Cricket Council (ICC) replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after the government refused permission for the side to travel to India, citing security concerns. The mega event was jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The issue stemmed from Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s withdrawal from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 over security concerns. Notably, it was also the first time since 1999 that Bangladesh had not appeared in the World Cup.
The veteran all-rounder called the decision a big mistake for Bangladesh Cricket, noting that the country loves watching cricket.
“I think it was a big loss. It was a great miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned,” he said on the sidelines of the EUT20 Belgium event in Mumbai.
“We as a country love watching our players playing in the World Cup. We are a cricket-loving country. I think it was a blunder from the government side that they took the decision not to participate in the World Cup,” Shakib said.
He expressed hope for the revival of cricket ties between India and Bangladesh, noting that a bilateral series could be a step towards easing tensions.
“I think things will get better,” Shakib said. “The effort should be made [to improve relationship between BCCI and BCB]. I think one or two series if Bangladesh visit India or India visit Bangladesh; like I heard there’s a series likely to happen in August or September. When that happens, I think the ice will break, and things will get better,” he said.
Speaking about former captain Tamim Iqbal, who recently became president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Shakib expressed optimism that things will improve eventually.
The 39-year-old expressed hope to get an oppurtunity to play a farewell match in Dhaka.
“I think he will have a long-term plan if he becomes president,” Shakib said. “Hopefully Bangladesh cricket will get benefit from him.”
“I am hopeful that I can get what I want,” he remained optimistic about getting an oppurtunity to play a farewell match.
