Shakib Al Hasan Labels Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Absence a ‘Blunder’

Shakib Al Hasan Criticizes Government ‘Blunder’ Over T20 World Cup Withdrawal

In a candid revelation, Shakib Al Hasan, widely regarded as Bangladesh’s greatest ever cricketer, has expressed his deep disappointment over the national team’s absence from the T20 World Cup held in February and March. Speaking on the sidelines of a EUT20 Belgium event in Mumbai, the world-class all-rounder did not mince his words, labeling the interim government’s decision to prevent the team from traveling to India as a significant “blunder.”

The decision to pull out of the tournament marked a historic low for the Tigers, as it was the first time since 1999 that Bangladesh was not represented in a World Cup. The ICC eventually replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after the government refused to grant permission for the squad to play in India, citing prevailing security concerns.

A “Great Miss” for a Cricket-Loving Nation

Shakib emphasized that the impact of this decision extended far beyond the players, affecting millions of fans across the country. “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 road to this withdrawal was fraught with political tension. The situation escalated when the BCCI removed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL for unspecified reasons, coinciding with a period of deteriorating political ties between India and Bangladesh. In an attempt to find a middle ground, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) urged the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC Board ultimately voted against the proposal, leaving the BCB with a binary choice: play in India or withdraw.

Controversy Over Governance and Accountability

The fallout from the withdrawal was further complicated by contradictory statements from the government. During weeks of failed negotiations, Asif Nazrul, then the sports adviser to the interim government, repeatedly claimed that the BCB was acting under direct government orders. Yet, once the ouster from the World Cup was officially confirmed, Nazrul shifted his stance, asserting that the BCB had acted independently.

This lack of clarity has left a stain on the administration of the sport in Bangladesh, further straining the relationship between the BCB and the BCCI. Despite the friction, Shakib remains optimistic about the future. He believes that bilateral cricket is the best tool for diplomacy, specifically mentioning a potential white-ball series in August or September.

“I think things will get better,” Shakib noted. “The effort should be made [to improve relationship between BCCI and BCB]. 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.”

Bridging the Gap: Tamim Iqbal’s New Role

Beyond the political turmoil, Shakib was questioned about the appointment of his former teammate and long-time rival, Tamim Iqbal, as the new president of the BCB. The two legends had a very public fallout prior to the 2023 World Cup, a period during which Shakib captained a squad from which Tamim had been dropped.

Despite their history, Shakib showed a professional and supportive front, welcoming Tamim’s leadership. “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 Path to Redemption and Retirement

Shakib’s own career has been in a state of limbo. He has not played international cricket since October 2024 and currently resides in the USA. His absence from his homeland is rooted in the political upheaval of August 2024, following the fall of the Awami League government, in which Shakib served as a Member of Parliament.

While he faces several legal cases filed after the change in regime, there is a glimmer of hope for his return. The current BNP government, which took power in February 2026, has indicated a willingness to fast-track the legal proceedings against both Shakib and former captain Mashrafe Mortaza (also a former Awami League MP) to facilitate their return to the national setup.

In a previous podcast with former England all-rounder Moeen Ali, Shakib expressed a poignant wish: to return to Bangladesh and play a full series across all three formats before calling time on his illustrious career. When asked if he still desires a farewell match in Dhaka, Shakib remained hopeful. “I think things will start getting better sooner or later,” he concluded. “I am hopeful that I can get what I want.”