Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has strongly criticized Pakistan for what he termed as "unnecessary intervention" in the matter surrounding Bangladesh's withdrawal from the upcoming T20 World Cup. Shukla accused Pakistan of provoking and misleading Bangladesh, referencing historical tensions between the two nations.
Bangladesh Replaced by Scotland Due to Security Concerns
Bangladesh was officially replaced in the T20 World Cup 2026 by Scotland on Saturday, January 24, 2026. This decision came after the Bangladesh government and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to allow their team to travel to India, citing unspecified security concerns. The tournament is scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
"We wanted Bangladesh to play and we also assured full security," Shukla stated in an interview with ANI on Monday. "But since they have made this decision, it is very difficult to change the entire schedule at the last moment. This is why Scotland was brought in."
Pakistan Cricket Board Criticizes ICC Decision
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi had earlier criticized the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh. Naqvi blasted the ICC for exhibiting "double standards," asserting that Bangladesh was treated unfairly in the process.
Naqvi further revealed that Pakistan's own participation in the World Cup remains uncertain, pending a decision at the highest government level. He indicated that the final call would be made upon Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's return from abroad. The PCB had reportedly urged the ICC to consider a hybrid model for Bangladesh, similar to the arrangement granted to Pakistan, which allows the Pakistani team to play all its T20 World Cup matches in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Shukla's Strong Rebuke to Pakistan
Rajeev Shukla, however, dismissed Pakistan's involvement in the matter as baseless and provocative. "Pakistan is intervening in the matter without any reason and provoking Bangladesh," Shukla said emphatically. "Everyone knows the brutality done by Pakistan on the Bangladeshis, and now they are trying to mislead them, which is completely wrong."
His comments allude to the historical context of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, adding a layer of geopolitical tension to the cricketing dispute.
Pakistan's Squad Announcement and Potential Consequences
In a related development, Pakistan announced a 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday. However, Aaqib Javed, PCB Director of High Performance and a member of the men's national selection committee, clarified that this announcement does not guarantee Pakistan's participation. The team awaits the Pakistani government's final decision on whether to compete in the tournament hosted by India.
The ICC has warned of severe repercussions should Pakistan decide to withdraw. Potential sanctions include:
- Suspension of all bilateral cricket series involving Pakistan.
- Denial of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign players wishing to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
- Exclusion from future editions of the Asia Cup.
This situation underscores the complex interplay between international cricket, politics, and security concerns, with the T20 World Cup becoming a focal point for diplomatic and sporting tensions in South Asia.
