Shakib Al Hasan Slams Govt ‘Blunder’ Over Bangladesh T20 World Cup Pull-out
A ‘Great Miss’ for Bangladesh Cricket
In a candid assessment of the current state of Bangladesh cricket, the nation’s greatest ever cricketer, Shakib Al Hasan, has criticized the interim government’s decision to withdraw the national team from the T20 World Cup held in February-March. Speaking on the sidelines of a EUT20 Belgium event in Mumbai, Shakib did not mince his words, describing the decision as a “blunder from the government side.”
The fallout was significant; for the first time since 1999, Bangladesh found themselves absent from a World Cup stage. The ICC eventually replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after the government refused to grant permission for the team to travel to India, citing security concerns. For a country where cricket is more than just a sport, this absence was felt deeply.
“I think it was a big loss. It was a great miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned,” Shakib remarked. “We as a country love watching our players playing in the World Cup. We are a cricket-loving country. I think it was a blunder from the government side that they took the decision not to participate in the World Cup.”
Political Tensions and the BCB-BCCI Rift
The decision to pull out was not an isolated event but rather the culmination of deteriorating political ties between India and Bangladesh. The tension became palpable in the sporting world when the BCCI removed Bangladesh’s premier fast bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, from the IPL for unspecified reasons. This move served as a catalyst for further friction between the two neighboring boards.
In an attempt to salvage the situation, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) pushed for their scheduled matches to be relocated to Sri Lanka. However, these efforts were thwarted when the ICC Board voted against the relocation, leaving the BCB and the government in a deadlock.
The Controversy of Command
The internal handling of the crisis also sparked controversy. Asif Nazrul, who served as the sports adviser at the time, initially claimed on multiple occasions that the BCB was merely acting on direct orders from the government. However, once the ouster from the World Cup was finalized and official, Nazrul shifted his stance, claiming that the BCB had acted independently. This contradiction has left many questioning the transparency of the decision-making process during that period.
Looking Toward Reconciliation
Despite the strain on the relationship between the BCB and the BCCI, Shakib remains optimistic about the future. He believes that on-field action is the best remedy for diplomatic tension. He pointed toward a potential white-ball series in August or September, where India might tour Bangladesh, as the key to healing the rift.
“I think things will get better,” Shakib stated. “The effort should be made [to improve relationship between BCCI and BCB]. I think one or two series if Bangladesh visit to India or India go to Bangladesh… When that happens, I think the ice will break, and things will get better.”
A New Era Under Tamim Iqbal
Adding another layer of intrigue to the BCB’s leadership is the appointment of Tamim Iqbal as the new board president. The relationship between Shakib and Tamim has been famously volatile, reaching a peak before the 2023 World Cup when Tamim was dropped from the squad captained by Shakib.
However, in a show of professional maturity, Shakib welcomed Tamim’s new role. “I think he will have a long-term plan if he becomes president,” Shakib said. “Hopefully Bangladesh cricket will get benefit from him.”
The Long Road Home for Shakib
For Shakib personally, the road back to international cricket is complicated. Since the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, Shakib—who was a Member of Parliament with the party—has lived in the USA. He has not played international cricket since October 2024, although he continues to be a sought-after talent in global franchise leagues.
Currently, Shakib faces several legal cases filed following the regime change. However, there is a glimmer of hope. Aminul Haque, the sports minister under the BNP government which took power in February 2026, has indicated that the government intends to fast-track the cases against both Shakib and former captain Mashrafe Mortaza to facilitate their return to the national setup.
Shakib’s ultimate goal remains clear: a proper send-off. In a recent podcast with Moeen Ali, he expressed his desire to play a full series across all three formats before retiring. When asked if he still hopes for a farewell match in Dhaka, Shakib remained hopeful: “I think things will start getting better sooner or later. I am hopeful that I can get what I want.”
