Key Takeaways
- A committee has concluded Bangladesh should have participated in the T20 World Cup 2026.
- The decision not to participate was attributed to political tensions and ICC's refusal to relocate matches.
- BCB President Tamim Iqbal criticized the role of political considerations in the decision.
A government-appointed inquiry committee has concluded that Bangladesh should have participated in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, holding the then-interim government and former sports adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul primarily responsible for the country’s absence.
Committee member Barrister Faisal Dastagir stated during the release of the 22-page report at the National Sports Council (NSC) conference room that Bangladesh should have gone and participated in the tournament.
The three-member committee found that political tensions between India and Bangladesh, the ICC’s refusal to relocate Bangladesh’s matches, and government intervention had a ‘very high’ impact on the decision not to participate.
The report rated the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) failure in negotiations as having a ‘high’ impact, while a breakdown in communication was assessed as having a ‘medium’ impact.
BCB President Tamim Iqbal criticized the role of political considerations in the decision, stating, ‘Personal grudges powered by another country’s opinion should not be the factor in destroying the dreams of players and people of Bangladesh.’
Tamim alleged that security concerns had been used as a pretext and that the decision was influenced more by political positioning and anti-India sentiment than genuine sporting considerations.
According to Tamim, the sports adviser and government officials initially supported Bangladesh’s participation before later changing their position.
The dispute developed amid worsening relations between India and Bangladesh after Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from its squad on Jan. 3 following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The BCB later asked the ICC to move Bangladesh’s matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. However, the ICC rejected the request after reviewing security assessments and said there was no credible or verifiable threat to Bangladesh players, officials, media, or supporters in India.
On Jan. 21, the ICC Board confirmed that Bangladesh’s matches would remain in India, saying a schedule change at that stage was not feasible.
Bangladesh subsequently refused to participate under the published schedule and was replaced by Scotland on Jan. 24.
The T20 World Cup was held from Feb. 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh should have gone and participated in the tournament.
Barrister Faisal Dastagir, Committee member
Personal grudges powered by another country’s opinion should not be the factor in destroying the dreams of players and people of Bangladesh.
Tamim Iqbal, BCB President
