The withdrawal of Bangladesh team in the T20 World Cup 2026 has elicited mixed emotions in the world of cricket. The move has been openly condemned by former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria who described the move as disappointing and a long term disastrous move to Bangladesh cricket.
Kaneria has explained that refusing to travel to India to hold the tournament will have no impact on the world cup but may have very severe consequences on the relationship of Bangladesh in the international cricket. In his view, the world events such as the T20 world cup carry on without any hitches even when one of the teams is not present.
Talking of the background of the controversy, Kaneria cited cases in Bangladesh that raised concerns and bad impressions in the foreign countries. He claimed that such development tarnished the image of Bangladesh in India, and contributed to IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders releasing fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman before IPL 2026.
Kaneria too opposed the allegation that Bangladesh was at risk of security in India. He has indicated that when teams compete in ICC tournaments, they are always given tight security even Bangladesh in previous tournaments. He further stated that at the meeting of the ICC, all the board representatives of the relevant cricket boards were present and it was only Pakistan that supported the Bangladesh stand. According to him, this was a clear indication that security was not a real problem in India.
In the future, Kaneria cautioned that this decision would cost the Bangladesh Cricket Board some financial and cricketing losses. According to him, schedules cannot be moved at the very last minute and disregarding ICC advice might lead to repercussions. He says that India can also cut off cricketing activities with Bangladesh in the future, which will further restrict the opportunities of Bangladesh.
Kaneria feels that by not attending Bangladesh had lost a big opportunity. Had they not chosen to play in India, the issue regarding Mustafizur Rahman would have subsided and more Bangladeshi players would have been seen in the IPL the following season. On the contrary, he believes that Bangladesh shut its doors.
Finally, Kaneria explained that the lack of Bangladesh will not affect the ICC or the BCCI but might reduce the growth of Bangladesh cricket in the international and the league front.
