Bangladesh have been replaced by Scotland in the 20-team tournament.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has claimed that Pakistan misled and instigated Bangladesh to boycott their T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India.
Earlier this month, the BCB requested the ICC to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India. However, the apex body turned down the plea, saying no such verifiable threat existed.
Bangladesh were subsequently replaced by Scotland in the 20-team tournament, starting February 7.
Speaking to ANI, Shukla said the BCCI had assured complete protection to the Bangladesh team and wanted them to play matches in India.
“We wanted them to play. We assured them that complete security would be provided and that there would be no problems whatsoever. They would be given full protection. However, they decided that they wouldn’t play here, saying they couldn’t send their team,” Shukla said.
Bangladesh had refused to travel to India following heightened tensions between the two countries and the release of Mustafizur Rahman by IPL franchise KKR on BCCI’s instructions.
Shukla also highlighted the logistical difficulty of altering the T20 World Cup schedule so close to the tournament.
“Their government said they couldn’t send the team, and that they would only play in Colombo. Changing the entire schedule at the last minute is a very difficult task, a very challenging job. That’s why this happened,” he added.
Shukla alleged that Pakistan played a major role in influencing Bangladesh’s decision. “Pakistan is giving them false encouragement; Pakistan is unnecessarily involved in this, misleading Bangladesh and instigating them. Pakistan is playing a major role in provoking them. Pakistan shouldn’t be doing all this,” the BCCI VP stated.
He further remarked, “The world knows what atrocities Pakistan committed against the Bangladeshis. The Bangladeshis know how much injustice was done to them when the country was divided. Now, they are trying to manipulate them, trying to lead them down the wrong path by pretending to be their well-wishers, which is wrong.”
According to reports, the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB is considering protesting the ICC’s decision on Bangladesh’s replacement, including the possibility of boycotting its high-stake fixture against India or pulling out of the event.
Naqvi had a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Monday (January 26) afternoon to discuss the government's stand on T20 World Cup 2026 participation.
Following the meeting, Naqvi confirmed through social media that a final call is expected on either Friday (January 30) or Monday (February 2).
The PCB chairman had earlier said that the government would take the final call on Pakistan's participation in the competition in view of the evolving situation following Bangladesh's exit.