Shakib Al Hasan breaks silence on Bangladesh's T20 World Cup 2026 fiasco

The Bangladesh National Cricket Team have been hosting New Zealand for an all-format series; the ODI format has been completed, with the last T20I to be played on Saturday. Ahead of the next match, Bangladesh's former captain Shakib Al Hasan has finally broken the silence on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fiasco.

The nation was removed as they did after repeated reassurance, from ICC about security, they decided not to travel to India, which caused ICC to remove them, and Scotland was replaced by the Bangla Tigers. Shakib Al Hasan has criticised and made Bangladesh’s interim government responsible for not travelling to India and being removed from the major tournament.

I think that’s a big loss- Shakib Al Hasan on Bangladesh's T20 World Cup omission

As the all-rounder believed that it was a blunder and a shameful decision taken by the government, it created a massive setback for the cricket-playing nation. Shakib believes that it was disrespect for the players and the fans who love the sport in the nation.

"I think that’s a big loss. Great miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned. Because we as a country love watching our players play in the World Cup and other matches.

🚨It was a blunder from the (caretaker) government not to participate in the (T20) World Cup: Shakib Al Hasan, former Bangladesh captain, tells the media on the sidelines of the EU T20 Belgium 2026 jersey launch event in Mumbai on Wednesday.@shamik100 @ThumsUpOfficial pic.twitter.com/PAQliHGk76

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) April 29, 2026

"We are a cricket-loving nation, and a country like Bangladesh not participating in the World Cup was such a big miss. I think it’s a blunder from the government side that they took the decision not to participate in that World Cup."

I think that's the better way to go forward- Shakib Al Hasan

Later, Shakib was asked about the future of the sport in the country, as he feels that many young players are making waves with their performance and Bangladesh have a bright future in the game. "I think the team is playing really well at this moment. They just beat New Zealand. They won the first T20 against New Zealand. So they are good teams. Previously, it used to be individuals.

"Now it's more about the team. And I think that's the better way to go forward," he said. "I don't know how to suggest names, but most players are promising, and they are doing really well. There are some experienced players with the new generation coming up. I think we have a good future," Shakib Al Hasan added.

There are a lot of young players- Shakib on India's talent pool in cricket

Shakib Al Hasan also spoke about the talent pool of India National Cricket Team, and the TATA Indian Premier League. He said, "There are a lot of young players coming in... the pipeline in Indian cricket is such that it can go on for the next 50 years." He also emphasised that an IPL-heavy focus might impact Test cricket.

Finally, he concluded, saying, about the upcoming EUT20 Belgium tournament, Shakib said,"It is always a great opportunity when you play a franchise league where some of the big names of the game are present. The younger players can learn a great deal from them. So I think it will be a great experience for the younger generation and new players."

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