The experienced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, has spoken out regarding Bangladesh's decision to withdraw from the T20 World Cup 2026. This particular tournament took place in India and Sri Lanka earlier this year, but Bangladesh did not feature in the same due to abrupt geopolitical changes between Bangladesh and India.

 

This whole ordeal made headlines for quite some time and Bangladesh withdrew, so as not to jeopardise their journey there, with Scotland taking their place in order to facilitate the continuity of the tournament. At the time of the withdrawal Bangladesh had stated reasons behind the same as to how the participation was not safe in India and Sri Lanka. However Shakib has said that it was a government mistake.

 

Big Loss for Bangladesh Cricket

 

Speaking in an interview with RevSportz, Shakib has declared that Bangladesh have missed out on a major tournament. The argument was that the importance of cricket for the Bangladeshi public, especially the fans:

 

Shakib said:

 

"I think that’s a big loss. Great miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned because we as a country love watching our players playing in the World Cup, playing matches."

 

He went on:

 

"We are a cricket-loving country and you know a country like Bangladesh not participating in the World Cup was a big loss. I think it’s a blunder from the government side that they took the decision not to participate in that World Cup."

 

His words reflect the frustration of fans and players over Bangladesh's omission from international competitions.

 

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Supports India's Move, Future still uncertain

 

The boycott had come after strains between Bangladesh and India. Bangladesh had demanded all their games be moved to Sri Lanka but the ICC and Board of Control for Cricket in India decided not to amend the scheduled fixtures.

 

Shakib indirectly sided with India in the situation by slamming the pull out. He also hit out at the interim Muhammad Yunus-led government.

 

Shakib has not represented Bangladesh since October 2024 when he last played a Test match against India. He played his last ODI against Sri Lanka in November 2023 and was last seen in T20I cricket against Afghanistan in June 2024.

 

However, his return to international cricket is still expected with Bangladesh Cricket Board selector Habibul Bashar last claiming the national team would like Shakib to return to play.

 

However, there is no clarity yet whether the experienced all-rounder will again pull on a Bangladesh jersey.