New Delhi: Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has spoken out for the first time on Bangladesh’s controversial exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026, expressing disappointment over how the situation was handled and insisting there had been enough room to find a solution with the ICC.
The controversy emerged ahead of the tournament after Bangladesh raised concerns over player safety following religious tensions in the country and the removal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad. The Bangladesh Cricket Board requested that its World Cup matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka, but the ICC declined the proposal because of logistical and scheduling constraints with the tournament approaching rapidly.
As a result, Bangladesh were left out of the competition, paving the way for Scotland’s inclusion in the tournament.
Speaking about the issue, Tamim said the previous Bangladesh Cricket Board administration failed to manage the situation properly despite the ICC showing flexibility. He described the development as deeply painful for Bangladesh cricket and said the country had effectively “given away” a World Cup opportunity without meaningful dialogue.
Tamim reflected on Bangladesh’s historic qualification journey during the 1990s, recalling how the nation celebrated its breakthrough on the global stage and how that moment inspired an entire generation to take up cricket. He also pointed out that some players from the current squad may never get another opportunity to feature in a World Cup.
Now heading the interim Bangladesh Cricket Board setup, Tamim also addressed relations between the BCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India. He said he shares a strong personal rapport with current BCCI president Mithun Manhas and believes ties between the two boards have improved.
Tamim further stated that security conditions in Bangladesh are stable and insisted there has never been any threat to the Indian cricket team during its visits. He added that a future bilateral series between India and Bangladesh could help strengthen cricketing relations further between the two nations.
