Shakib Al Hasan Slams Government ‘Blunder’ Over Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Exit
A Costly Mistake: Shakib Al Hasan Reflects on the T20 World Cup Absence
In a candid revelation that highlights the volatile intersection of sports and politics, Shakib Al Hasan has criticized the Bangladesh interim government for its decision to withdraw the national team from the T20 World Cup held in February-March. The legendary all-rounder did not mince words, labeling the move a “blunder” that significantly hampered the progress and spirit of Bangladesh cricket.
The fallout from this decision was immediate and severe. After the government refused permission for the squad to travel to India—citing security concerns—the International Cricket Council (ICC) took the unprecedented step of replacing Bangladesh with Scotland. For a nation that breathes cricket, this marked the first time since 1999 that the Tigers were absent from a World Cup stage, leaving millions of fans devastated.
The Weight of the ‘Blunder’
Speaking on the sidelines of a EUT20 Belgium event in Mumbai, Shakib emphasized the cultural void left by the team’s absence.
“I think it was a big loss. It was a great miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned,”
Shakib remarked.
“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.”
Political Tensions and the BCCI Conflict
The crisis was not an isolated sporting decision but rather a symptom of deteriorating political ties between India and Bangladesh. The tension escalated when the BCCI removed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL for unspecified reasons. In an attempt to find a middle ground, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) lobbied the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC Board voted against the proposal, leaving the team with a binary choice: play in India or not play at all.
The internal handling of the crisis was equally chaotic. Asif Nazrul, the sports adviser at the time, initially claimed that the BCB was merely executing government orders. Yet, once the team’s ouster was finalized, Nazrul pivoted, suggesting the BCB had acted independently. This inconsistency added a layer of administrative confusion to an already strained situation.
Healing the Rift: Looking Toward the Future
Despite the friction, Shakib remains optimistic about the relationship between the BCB and the BCCI. He believes that the only way to resolve these systemic issues is through the game itself. He pointed toward a potential white-ball series scheduled for August or September this year as the key to reconciliation.
“I think things will get better,” Shakib stated. “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.”
New Leadership: The Tamim Iqbal Era
The landscape of Bangladesh cricket has seen further shifts with Tamim Iqbal assuming the role of board president. This appointment is particularly noteworthy given the public and acrimonious fallout between Shakib and Tamim prior to the 2023 World Cup, during which Tamim was dropped from the squad captained by Shakib.
Demonstrating professional maturity, Shakib welcomed Tamim’s ascent to power.
“I think he will have a long-term plan if he becomes president,”
Shakib said, adding,
“Hopefully Bangladesh cricket will get benefit from him.”
The Personal Struggle and the Path Home
While he remains a global icon in franchise leagues, Shakib’s international career has been in limbo since October 2024. Currently residing in the USA, he has not returned to his homeland since the collapse of the Awami League government in August 2024, a party for which he served as a Member of Parliament. Consequently, he faces multiple legal cases filed following the regime change.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. The BNP government, which took power in February 2026, has indicated a desire to see the nation’s sporting icons return. Sports Minister Aminul Haque has stated that the government intends to fast-track the legal cases against both Shakib and former captain Mashrafe Mortaza to facilitate their return to the national setup.
A Final Wish: The Farewell Series
Shakib’s ultimate goal remains a dignified exit from the game he dominated for nearly two decades. In a recent podcast with Moeen Ali, and again in Mumbai, he expressed his desire to play a full series in all three formats in Dhaka before hanging up his boots.
“I think things will start getting better sooner or later,” Shakib concluded. “I am hopeful that I can get what I want.” For the fans in Dhaka, the return of their greatest all-rounder would be the ultimate remedy for the “blunder” that sidelined a generation of cricket enthusiasts.
