Bangladesh Faces Criticism for Refusing to Play T20 World Cup Matches in India

Post by : Saif Nasser

Bangladesh has come under strong criticism after deciding not to play their 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches in India. Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has accused Bangladesh’s cricket authorities of political interference in the decision, raising concerns about the impact on players and the sport.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move their matches outside India, citing security concerns. However, the ICC denied the request, leaving the team with no choice but to either play in India or withdraw from the tournament. The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, with India and Sri Lanka as co-hosts.

Manoj Tiwary pointed out that the decision was influenced by the Sports Ministry rather than the cricket board itself. Speaking to reporters, he said, “In their country, politics has entered the picture, and political figures have become heavily involved in the board. These kinds of decisions are emerging because of political interference.”

Tiwary questioned the safety argument, noting that Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had safely visited India. He added, “If a country's Prime Minister can come and live safely here, then the players will definitely get safety.”

The decision has left players disappointed. Representing one’s country in a World Cup is a dream for any cricketer, and Tiwary emphasized that politics should not interfere with sports. “This is a loss for the players. They want to play for their country and perform well in the World Cup, which boosts their careers. But it wasn’t in their hands,” he said.

Bangladesh is scheduled to start their T20 World Cup campaign against the West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. They will then face Italy on February 9 and England again in Kolkata, before traveling to Mumbai to play Nepal at Wankhede Stadium. The current situation may affect the team’s preparation and morale ahead of these crucial matches.

This controversy highlights the tension between politics and sports, showing how decisions outside the cricket field can affect athletes and international tournaments. Experts and former players like Tiwary argue that cricket boards should remain autonomous, and political influence must not interfere with players’ opportunities to perform on the global stage.