Shakib blames Bangladesh government for missing T20 World Cup in 2026

Shakib Al Hasan criticizes the Bangladesh government for pulling out of the T20 World Cup, calling it a major mistake as the country hadn't missed a World Cup since 1999.

World Cup absence explained Bangladesh did not compete in the T20 World Cup for the first time since 1999, which Shakib Al Hasan described as a significant loss for the nation’s cricketing pride. "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 stated during an event in Mumbai. The withdrawal followed a dispute between India and Bangladesh over the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL due to unspecified reasons amid strained political relations. ## Government and board clash over decision The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) initially requested that matches be relocated to Sri Lanka after Mustafizur Rahman was excluded from the IPL, but the ICC Board rejected this proposal. During negotiations, Bangladesh’s then-sports adviser Asif Nazrul claimed multiple times that the BCB had acted under government orders. However, after Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament was confirmed, Nazrul later asserted that the BCB had made the decision independently. This inconsistency further complicated the already tense relationship between the BCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). ## BCB-BCCI relations may improve soon Shakib expressed optimism that the strained relationship between the BCB and BCCI could soon improve, particularly if India tours Bangladesh for a white-ball series later in 2026. "I think things will get better," he said. "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." A potential bilateral series in late 2026 could help mend ties between the two boards. ## Shakib on Tamim’s BCB leadership When asked about Tamim Iqbal becoming the new president of the BCB, Shakib welcomed the appointment despite a public rift before the 2023 World Cup, when Tamim was dropped from Shakib’s squad. "I think he will have a long-term plan if he becomes president," Shakib commented. "Hopefully Bangladesh cricket will get benefit from him." Shakib did not elaborate on their past differences but expressed confidence in Tamim’s leadership for the future of Bangladesh cricket. ## Shakib’s uncertain international future Shakib has not played international cricket since October 2024 but continues to participate in franchise leagues worldwide. He currently resides in the USA and has not returned to Bangladesh since the Awami League government was removed from power in August 2024. During his time as an Awami League lawmaker, Shakib faced multiple legal cases filed against him following the government’s fall. The new sports minister, Aminul Haque, from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government that took office in February 2026, has stated that the cases against Shakib and former captain Mashrafe Mortaza will be expedited to facilitate their return to Bangladesh cricket. ## Hopes for a farewell series before retirement Shakib previously indicated in a podcast with Moeen Ali that he aims to return to Bangladesh to play a full series across all formats before officially retiring. "I think things will start getting better sooner or later," Shakib said when asked about the possibility of a farewell match in Dhaka. "I am hopeful that I can get what I want." His comments reflect a desire to conclude his international career on home soil, though his legal challenges and absence from Bangladesh remain obstacles.