The 2026 T20 World Cup faces a major shake-up after Bangladesh withdrew, unwilling to compete on Indian soil. BCCI president Mithun Manhas, caught off-guard at Raipur’s Swami Vivekananda Airport, deflected the controversy with humor during his visit for the second T20 match.
Reporters pressed him on the boycott, but Manhas kept it light: ‘I’m in Raipur for the second T20,’ he said with a chuckle, deftly changing the subject. His non-committal reply underscores the sensitivity of Indo-Bangla cricket relations.
In parallel, Dhaka witnessed a pivotal discussion on ICC’s cutoff date, uniting BCB, officials, and players. Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul later clarified the stance in a briefing, attributing the pullout to unresolved security threats in India.
‘Our team earned their spot through sweat and skill, yet current political climates pose unacceptable risks,’ Nazrul explained. Prioritizing safety for players, supporters, and press, the government took the tough call to forfeit.
Roots of discord lie in IPL tensions, notably Mustafizur’s 2026 ouster amid backlash to reported Hindu persecutions in Bangladesh. The 2024 protests toppling Sheikh Hasina have deepened diplomatic divides.
Bangladesh’s bid to host their fixtures in Sri Lanka was denied by ICC. As repercussions ripple, alternative teams may step in, altering the tournament’s dynamics and spotlighting how off-field storms batter cricket’s global stage.