Shakib Al Hasan Calls Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Absence a ‘Government Blunder’
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A Costly Absence: Shakib Al Hasan Slams Government’s T20 World Cup Decision
In a candid assessment of the current state of Bangladesh cricket, Shakib Al Hasan has voiced his strong disapproval of the interim government’s decision to withdraw the national team from the T20 World Cup held in February-March. Speaking on the sidelines of a EUT20 Belgium event in Mumbai, the world-renowned all-rounder characterized the move as a significant mistake that hindered the growth and spirit of the game in his home country.
The decision resulted in Bangladesh being replaced by Scotland, marking the first time since 1999 that the nation failed to participate in a World Cup. For a country where cricket is more than just a sport, the absence was felt deeply by fans and players alike.
“I think it was a big loss. It was a great miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned,” Shakib stated. “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.”
The Political Friction and Diplomatic Fallout
The road to the T20 World Cup pull-out was paved with political tension and administrative disputes. The situation escalated when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) removed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL for unspecified reasons, a move that coincided with deteriorating political ties between India and Bangladesh.
In an attempt to salvage the situation, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC Board voted against this proposal, leaving the government with a binary choice: travel to India or forfeit the tournament. The government ultimately cited security concerns as the reason for refusing permission for the team to travel.
Conflicting Narratives within the Administration
The fallout was further complicated by contradictory statements from government officials. Asif Nazrul, who served as the sports adviser at the time, initially claimed on multiple occasions that the BCB was acting under direct government orders. Yet, once the team’s ouster from the World Cup was officially confirmed, Nazrul shifted his stance, asserting that the BCB had acted independently.
Healing the Rift: BCB and BCCI Relations
The decision not to travel to India strained the relationship between the BCB and the BCCI, two of the most influential boards in the region. Despite the friction, Shakib remains optimistic that professional sporting ties can bridge the political divide.
Shakib believes that the key to reconciliation lies in the resumption of bilateral series. He pointed toward a potential white-ball series between India and Bangladesh scheduled for August or September this year as a critical turning point.
“I think things will get better,” Shakib remarked. “The effort should be made. I think one or two series if Bangladesh visit to India or India go to Bangladesh… When that happens, I think the ice will break, and things will get better.”
A New Era: Tamim Iqbal as BCB President
Adding another layer of intrigue to the administrative landscape is the appointment of Tamim Iqbal as the new board president. The relationship between Shakib and Tamim has been famously volatile, reaching a peak during the 2023 World Cup when Tamim was dropped from the squad captained by Shakib.
However, in a display of professional maturity, Shakib welcomed Tamim’s new role, suggesting that his leadership could provide a necessary long-term vision for the sport. “I think he will have a long-term plan if he becomes president,” Shakib said. “Hopefully Bangladesh cricket will get benefit from him.”
The Uncertain Future of a Legend
While Shakib continues to thrive in global franchise leagues, his international career has been in limbo since October 2024. Currently residing in the USA, Shakib has not returned to Bangladesh since the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, a party in which he served as a Member of Parliament.
The legal landscape remains complex, with several cases filed against him following the change in government. However, there is a glimmer of hope. Aminul Haque, the sports minister under the BNP government that took power in February 2026, has indicated that the government intends to fast-track the cases against Shakib and fellow former captain Mashrafe Mortaza to facilitate their return to the national setup.
The Dream of a Final Farewell
Shakib’s ultimate goal is not just a return, but a meaningful exit. In a previous podcast with Moeen Ali, he expressed his desire to play a comprehensive series in all three formats before retiring. When asked about the possibility of a farewell match in Dhaka, Shakib remained hopeful: “I think things will start getting better sooner or later. I am hopeful that I can get what I want.”
