Shakib Al Hasan calls Bangladesh's T20 World Cup pullout a major government blunder

Legendary Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan has criticised the country’s government for not allowing their national team to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh pulled out of the event after its government objected to playing in India, citing security concerns.

As a result, they were subsequently replaced by Scotland, marking it the first time since 1999 that Bangladesh missed a World Cup event. Recently, Shakib shared his thoughts on the matter, calling it a blunder from the government’s side and a big blow to the players and fans.

"I think it was a big loss. It was a great miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned. 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,” Shakib said on the sidelines of a EUT20 Belgium event in Mumbai as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

The strained relations between BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) began after the Indian board removed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL (Indian Premier League).

The decision was taken amid widespread protests in India regarding Mustafizur’s participation as political ties between India and Bangladesh deteriorated. Commenting on the strained relationship between the two boards, Shakib hoped for them to once again have cordial relations.

Shakib backs Tamim to do well as BCB President

"I think things will get better. 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; like I heard there's a series that is likely to happen in August or September. When that happens, I think the ice will break, and things will get better,” said Shakib.

Shakib also backed his former Bangladesh teammate, Tamim Iqbal, to do well as BCB President.

"I think he will have a long-term plan if he becomes president. Hopefully, Bangladesh cricket will get benefit from him,” said Shakib.

The legendary all-rounder once again also expressed his desire to return to his country and play a farewell series.

"I think things will start getting better sooner or later. I am hopeful that I can get what I want,” he said.

Shakib hopes for return to Bangladesh

Shakib hasn’t played international cricket since Bangladesh’s tour to India in October 2024. However, he continues to play franchise tournaments around the world. Shakib now lives in USA and hasn’t returned to Bangladesh after the fall of the Awami government in August 2024, and has several cases filed against him in the country.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's new sports minister Aminul Haque has said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government, which came into power in February 2026, would fast-track the cases against both Shakib and Mashrafe Mortaza to allow their return to Bangladesh cricket soon.