Ex-BCB Chief Reveals Pakistan’s Influence On Bangladesh To Exit T20 World Cup 2026

A former BCB official claimed that Aminul Islam was influenced by Mohsin Naqvi in Bangladesh’s decision to pull out of the T20 World Cup in India.

Former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) general secretary Syed Ashraful Haque has criticised the board’s decision to withdraw from the T20 World Cup in India, claiming that current BCB chief Aminul Islam was influenced by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Bangladesh had declined to travel to India for the tournament, citing “security concerns,” which led to their removal from the competition. The move came amid rising tensions between several Asian cricket boards in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

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India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan often attract significant attention in world cricket. However, the regional bloc has struggled with unity in recent months. Bangladesh’s withdrawal raised eyebrows, and Pakistan further stirred controversy by threatening to boycott their match against India, claiming they were acting in “solidarity” with Bangladesh.

BCB President Influenced by Mohsin Naqvi?

Speaking to RevSportz, Haque questioned the leadership behind Bangladesh’s decision. “As a cricket administrator, I focus on honesty and commitment. Aminul Islam, likely being naive, was influenced by Mr Mohsin Naqvi, the current ACC president, who persuaded him to go along. At the end of the day, who won?” Haque asked while speaking to RevSportz.

Haque also pointed to the political climate at the time, suggesting that the decision may have been shaped by broader sentiments.

“At the time, the government rode a wave of anti-Indian sentiment. Yet, there is no reason to oppose India except for the issue of harbouring a criminal, as claimed. Otherwise, Bangladesh needed the support of Indian cricket administrators. In Jagmohan Dalmiya’s era, we had respect and a strong position; now we risk becoming a laughing stock due to the actions of a few individuals and the government,” Haque added.

The controversy added another layer to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the tournament. Meanwhile, on the field, India captain Suryakumar Yadav declined the customary handshake with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha during the toss of their T20 World Cup clash in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. The gesture followed a pattern that has been in place since the Asia Cup in Dubai last year.