Bangladesh is facing significant backlash following its decision not to participate in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches in India. Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has accused the country’s cricket authorities of allowing political intervention, casting doubt on how this may affect the players and the overall sport.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their matches from India, citing security issues. The ICC did not approve the request, which left the team at a crossroads—play in India or withdraw from the tournament entirely. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to start on February 7, with India and Sri Lanka as hosts.
Tiwary remarked that the decision stemmed from influences within the Sports Ministry rather than originating from the BCB itself. He emphasized, “In their country, politics has intertwined with cricket, leading to significant interference from political figures. These types of choices arise from such involvement.”
He also questioned the validity of safety concerns, mentioning that Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has visited India without incident. He pointed out, “If the Prime Minister can visit safely, surely the players will be safe too.”
The decision has left many players feeling let down. Competing on a World Cup stage is a lifetime goal for any cricketer, and Tiwary underscored that politics should remain separate from sports. “This is a setback for the players who dream of representing their country in the World Cup, a moment that can greatly influence their careers. Unfortunately, the power to decide was not theirs,” he remarked.
Bangladesh is set to kick off its T20 World Cup journey against the West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Following that, they are scheduled to compete against Italy on February 9 and England again in Kolkata, before heading to Mumbai to face Nepal at Wankhede Stadium. The ongoing situation may have repercussions for the team’s preparation and morale ahead of these pivotal matches.
This debate sheds light on the complex relationship between politics and sports, highlighting how external decisions can impact athletes and international competitions. Experts and previous players, including Tiwary, stress that cricket boards must operate independently, free from political influence that could hinder players' chances to shine on an international platform.
A drone strike near Dubai Airport hit a fuel tank and caused a large fire. Flights were temporarily
Donald Trump says the US will focus on ending the Iran conflict before dealing with Cuba, even as ta
Federal government signs landmark agreements with Musqueam Nation, recognizing Aboriginal rights whi
Canada’s labour market faltered with a sharp drop in employment and higher unemployment, marking the
