Cricket’s global stage just took a dramatic hit as Bangladesh declares it won’t participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup, primarily over unresolved security issues in India. Sports advisor Asif Nazrul broke the news Thursday post a key huddle with BCB officials and players, leaving the ICC scrambling.
‘Our stance is final—no justice from ICC,’ Nazrul told reporters. Bangladesh had begged for match relocations outside India, but ICC shot it down. This comes against a tense canvas: escalating attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh prompted BCCI to bench Mustafizur Rahman from KKR’s IPL plans, fueling accusations of inadequate protection.
Nazrul didn’t mince words: ‘That country failed to secure even one player. Their cricket board, tied to the government, buckled under pressure.’ ICC’s mid-week confirmation that all Bangladesh games stay in India—from Kolkata clashes with West Indies, Italy, England to Mumbai versus Nepal—sealed the deal.
Scheduled from February 7 to March 8 across India and Sri Lanka, the event now eyes replacements. Scotland, lurking at 14th in rankings, could snag the spot. This pullout spotlights how politics bleeds into sport, challenging ICC’s authority and prompting debates on venue neutrality. Will this force a rethink on future tournaments? The cricket world watches intently.