The Bangladesh national cricket team is facing a major crisis as they could be ruled out of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after the International Cricket Council rejected their request to shift their group matches out of India due to security concerns.
Bangladesh is facing the crisis of T20 World Cup 2026
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is adamant on its decision, the government is adamant on not sending the national team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, while the ICC has made it clear that the schedule will remain unchanged under any circumstances.
While the ICC is yet to officially confirm the Tigers’ exclusion from the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 starting on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul made a surprise appearance at the Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 (BPL 2025-26) final in Dhaka on Friday, January 23 and talked about the ongoing tension with the ICC and India.
Also read: Danish Kaneria supports ICC, criticizes Bangladesh over T20 World Cup 2026 impasse
Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium was packed with enthusiastic fans during the BPL 2025-26 final, and Nazrul said it shows how much Bangladesh loves cricket. He said Bangladesh players have worked hard to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026 and deserve to play, but political and administrative decisions are jeopardizing their participation.
Sports consultant uses BPL crowd to send message that Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 spot is at risk
Asif Nazrul told the broadcaster in Dhaka, “Bangladeshi people, they love cricket, and the huge presence of spectators is proof of that. And it was really much needed because, you know, recently Bangladesh is on the verge of being eliminated from the T20 World Cup.”
His comments come after the Bangladesh government reportedly decided not to send the team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. This decision was taken without asking the national players for their opinion and without consulting them.
The sports advisor also believes that the crowd provides encouragement to the players in these difficult times. He said, “They have the right to play there, but they are being kept out. So, the huge presence of spectators at such a special time will definitely encourage Bangladesh cricket and the cricketers.”
Also read: Bangladesh will be banned by ICC, strict action will be taken against Jay Shah
Fans’ support sends strong message: Sports advisor
Nazrul described the packed Dhaka Stadium during the title match as an example of Bangladesh’s passion and love for cricket. He said the presence of fans during the BPL 2025-26 final sends a “special message” to the world that Bangladesh loves cricket and will always support its players.
He concluded by saying, “I think, we have a great presence of advisors. You can hear how popular cricket is in Bangladesh. In fact, half of the advisors who are in Dhaka city tonight have come today, and that gives a special message.”
Cricket is more than a game. Advisor Asif Nazrul speaks, and the crowd reacts like a storm.
Bashundhara Cement BPL 2026
Powered by Walton Lift#BPL2026 pic.twitter.com/WpR4GxbSoP– Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) 23 January 2026
Notably, Rajshahi Warriors defeated Chattogram Royals by 63 runs in the final, thanks to a century from Tanjeed Hasan, to win their first BPL trophy on Friday, January 23. Tanzeed became the third batsman after Tamim Iqbal and Chris Gayle to score a century in the BPL final.