Bangladesh captain Liton Das has rejected the claims of former interim sports advisor Asif Nazrul regarding the national team’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup. Linton said that players were not consulted before the decision was made, refuting suggestions that the team was involved in discussions.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was held in India and Sri Lanka earlier this year. After months of uncertainty over participation and security concerns, the ICC removed Bangladesh from the tournament and replaced them with Scotland after the Bangladesh Cricket Board decided not to send the team to India.
We were there just to participate and have tea – Liton Das on T20 World Cup withdrawal talks
Speaking to Bangladesh media outlet Prothom Alo, Liton Das claimed that there was never any real discussion about the T20 World Cup between the Bangladesh team and government officials. The Bangladesh captain said that the players were not asked for their opinion.
“There was no question. We were there just to participate and have tea. It was just a media stunt. So, we had the same mentality.”
The controversy began when Bangladesh raised concerns about playing their group-stage matches in India during the T20 World Cup. The BCB asked the ICC to move its matches outside India, but the request was rejected after the governing body determined that there were no security concerns at the venues.
We played cricket in Pakistan where they stood outside with guns – Liton Das
Liton Das said the players wanted to play cricket and were willing to travel, adding that they had competed in more demanding security environments before.
“They just asked us what we wanted. Now, as a player, what do you want? We, of course, didn’t want to fight; we wanted to play cricket. But they questioned the security in India. I said we played cricket in Pakistan, where they used to stand outside the room with guns. What could be more dangerous than that? But it was their decision; we had no say as players.”
Ahead of the return, tensions rose when Kolkata Knight Riders released Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL team. This issue has reportedly increased the disagreement between BCB and BCCI.
Does he have any position now? – Liton Das hits back at former sports consultant
Liton Das criticized former interim sports advisor Asif Nazrul over his comments regarding Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup. The Bangladesh captain questioned Nazrul’s claims and suggested that he spoke differently after leaving the post.
“Does he hold any position now? That’s why he said these things.”
On January 22, 2026, Nazrul met the Bangladesh team members. Nazrul reportedly said that the government has taken the decision. However, a month later, he claimed that the players and the BCB had jointly agreed to boycott the tournament for reasons related to national dignity and public safety.
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