Bangladesh Cricketers Wanted Exit From ICC T20 World Cup 2026 | Reports. Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 withdrawal has taken a fresh twist. Sports advisor Asif Nazrul has now changed his earlier stance. Nazrul said that the decision was taken by players, not the government. He insisted the cricketers and the Bangladesh Cricket Board made the call.
Earlier, Nazrul had suggested government involvement in the matter. That statement created major controversy in cricket circles. Fans questioned why politics entered cricket decisions. Bangladesh pulled out of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Their absence shocked the cricketing world.
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Bangladesh Government respected decision of Players and BCB
Senior players reportedly felt they were not properly consulted. They felt disrespected when Mustafizur war excluded from IPL 2026. Former captain Litton Das had hinted at communication gaps. This added more confusion around the decision.
Nazrul now claims the move was collective. He said players and the BCB discussed safety and dignity concerns. According to him, the government only respected their choice. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has not issued a detailed clarification yet. However, sources say internal meetings were held before the announcement.
Bangladesh’s withdrawal opened the door for Scotland in the tournament. The ICC confirmed schedule adjustments after Bangladesh stepped aside. Cricket experts have questioned the transparency of the process. Many believe clearer communication could have avoided controversy.
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This is the first time Bangladesh has missed a T20 World Cup. The decision has disappointed millions of fans at home. Nazrul’s U-turn has added another chapter to the saga. The debate over who made the final call continues. Bangladesh cricket now faces pressure to rebuild trust. The focus may soon shift back to performances on the field.