Bangladesh govt backstabs own cricketers, pins T20 World Cup boycott blame on players

Bangladesh government's sports advisor makes U-Turn: The India vs Pakistan fiasco is finally over. Pakistan decided to boycott its match against India after Bangladesh was ousted from the 2026 T20 World Cup, after they continued to maintain their stance of changing the venue from India to Sri Lanka, citing security reasons.

The decision came after star pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following strict instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The decision did not go well with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), thus making their stand point. However, they were replaced by Scotland.

Asif Nazrul makes a serious U-Turn

Bangladesh government's sports advisor, Asif Nazrul, on Tuesday made a serious U-turn. He, from his earlier stance, he in the turn of events said that the decision not to travel to India and change the venue to Sri Lanka in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 was made by the cricketers and the BCB, and not by the government.

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Asif Nazrul previously met the cricketers in January 2022. After Litton Das’s comment on the players not being involved in any decision, a meeting was held, and Asif told the media that he had informed the players of the government's decision.

Previously, Asif said (as quoted by Cricbuzz), "The purpose of the meeting was simply to explain to the players why the government took this decision and give them the context. I believe they understood. That was the purpose - nothing else."

"I think we did not get justice from ICC. Whether we will play in the World Cup or not is entirely a government decision," he added.

BCB made a scapegoat?

Changing his stance after the International Cricket Council decided not to punish the BCB with any fines or sanctions, Asif said, "There is no question of regret (not playing the World Cup). This decision was taken by the BCB and the players as they made sacrifices for the safety of the country's cricket, the safety of the people and to protect national dignity."

He added, "The ICC has said there will be no sanctions and that Bangladesh will be considered for hosting an international tournament. This is a brilliant achievement. I salute the Bangladesh Cricket Board."

However, reports suggest that Asif Nazrul had a key role in not sending their cricketers to India, citing the interim government's anti-India stance after coming to power following the student movement in July 2025.

Bangladesh gets away from sanctions

After ICC’s decision not sanction the Bangla Tigers and also organise an ICC tournament in the country after 2024’s Women's T20 World Cup was changed from their country to Dubai, citing security and political turmoil. They also decided to provide full revenue to BCB, which they receive from the ICC annually.

BCB chief Aminul Islam, who was there in the last ICC meeting, had to write a plea to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take the field against their arch-rivals India on the 15th February, at the R Premedasa Stadium, Colombo.

Also Read: Mohsin Naqvi exposed: PCB begged BCB for formal appeal before Pakistan’s U-turn on India boycott