The Bangladesh national cricket team has hosted New Zealand in an all-format series; The ODI format has been completed and the last T20I will be played on Saturday. Ahead of the next match, former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan finally broke his silence on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fiasco.
The nation was eliminated as they did after repeated ICC assurances about security, they decided not to travel to India, causing the ICC to expel them, and Scotland was replaced by the Bangla Tigers. Shakib Al Hasan has criticized and blamed the interim government of Bangladesh for not traveling to India and being excluded from the big tournament.
I think it’s a big loss: Shakib Al Hasan on Bangladesh’s omission from T20 World Cup
As the all-rounder believed it to be a blunder and a shameful decision taken by the government, it created a huge setback for the cricket-playing nation. Shakib believes it was disrespectful to the players and fans who love sports in the nation.
“I think it is a big loss. A big mistake as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned. Because we as a country love to watch our players play in the World Cup and other matches.
🚨It was a blunder by the (interim) government not to participate in the World Cup (T20): Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan 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 mistake. I think it is a huge mistake on the part of the government that they have taken the decision not to participate in that World Cup.”
I think that is the best way to move forward-Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib was later 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 has a bright future in the game. “I think the team is playing very well right now. They just beat New Zealand. They won the first T20 against New Zealand. So they are good teams. Previously, they used to be singles.
“Now it’s more about the team. And I think that’s the best way to move forward,” he said. “I don’t know how to suggest names, but most of the players are promising and are doing very well. There are some experienced players in the new generation that is coming. I think we have a good future,” added Shakib Al Hasan.
There are many young players: Shakib on India’s talent pool in cricket
Shakib Al Hasan also spoke about the talent pool of the Indian national cricket team and the TATA Indian Premier League. He said: “A lot of young players are coming…the development of Indian cricket is such that it can continue for the next 50 years.” He also emphasized that an intense focus on IPL could affect Test cricket.
Finally, he concluded by saying that about the upcoming EUT20 tournament in Belgium, Shakib said: “It’s always a great opportunity when you play a franchise league where some of the big names in the game are present. The younger players can learn a lot from them. So I think it will be a great experience for the younger generation and the new players.”
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