Shakib Al Hasan Calls Bangladesh T20 World Cup Exit a ‘Blunder’

Shakib Al Hasan called Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 withdrawal a blunder and criticized the government over that decision.

Shakib Al Hasan has criticized Bangladesh’s decision to skip the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, calling it a major setback for the country’s cricket. The tournament took place in India and Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Bangladesh was originally set to play all matches in India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board later raised safety concerns after Mustafizur Rahman’s release from Kolkata Knight Riders under BCCI and IPL rules. This also caused tensions between boards.

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The BCB pushed to move matches out of India, but the ICC rejected the request despite several rounds of talks. Bangladesh then withdrew, and Scotland took their place.

Speaking at the EU T20 Belgium 2026 jersey launch, Shakib said the absence hurt fans. He added that missing the World Cup deprived supporters of watching their team and called the decision a serious mistake.

“I think that’s a big loss and big miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned. We, as a country, love watching our players play World Cup matches. We are a cricket-loving country. A country like Bangladesh not participating in the World Cup was such a big miss. It’s a blunder from the government side that they took the decision not to participate in that World Cup,” Shakib told the media.

Shakib Al Hasan then spoke about his international future and expressed hope of playing one final Test in Bangladesh. The all-rounder last played the format against India in October 2024.

“We will see that. Things will start getting better, sooner or later. With time, everything heals. So, I am hopeful that I can get what I want,” Shakib concluded.