Bangladesh players voice frustration against T20 World Cup call (Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com)
As the cricket world was expected to see the classic actions in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, the drama picked up even before the tournament stepped onto the big stage. Bangladesh’s participation in the mega event is now in serious doubt after the side missed the ICC’s crucial deadline.
Where the world is in shock at their move, the players themselves were blindsided. Even after a meeting, the cricketers revealed it wasn’t for discussion; it was just to inform them of a pre-decided decision.
Bangladeshi players break silence on the shocking ‘Pre-Written Script
There are still a few days left for the T20 World Cup 2026, but Bangladesh’s participation in the marquee event is spreading more drama than the cricket action. It all started with Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion from the IPL 2026 and turned out to be much bigger than imagined.
As they are all set to skip the tournament, players have suffered the most. Even after a meeting with senior officials, the cricketers revealed they felt powerless, as everything seemed pre-decided. They claimed they were called only to be informed of the decision, with no chance to give their consent or voice their opinions.
“The meeting was called not to give our consent as it was made out to be initially. Rather, we were called so that we are aware of the development in the ongoing crisis. They made up their mind and decided what they will do before coming into the meeting, and it's not like any decision was taken taking our views into consideration,” a cricketer said.
“They didn't ask. They made the plan directly and said it's not happening. Earlier, they would sit with us and hear us out. But now, they've already said we're not going,” he added.
Cricket takes a backseat as the government makes the decision
When politics spills onto the cricket field, chaos is never far behind, and the India-Pakistan saga proved it. The political tension between India and Bangladesh has crossed boundaries, hitting Bangladesh cricket hard. Speaking about this, the cricketer called it a ‘Government’s Call’.
“The thing is, Bangladesh's government call was already made and nothing else but that's the real story. It was a direct order from the government - it's not happening,” he said.
It is Bangladesh Cricket’s loss
Since Bangladesh opted to move out of the tournament, cricketers took a stand against the decision, citing its long-term impact. Former star Tamim Iqbal even cautioned the BCB, but the management appears unshakable in their stance.
Just not the former stars, current players like Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das previously talked about their desire to play the tournament. One player summed it up bluntly, saying Bangladesh cricket has taken the ultimate hit, yet no one seems to care.
“Cricket is finished. If we don't go, it will be our cricket's loss. Who cares?,” the star said.
After BCB missed ICC’s deadline, things are now under deep water. If the situation doesn’t change, Scotland could swoop in to replace them in the high-voltage T20 World Cup.
