Players and BCB decided to skip T20 World Cup in India: Bangladesh's Sports Advisor Nazrul

Bangladesh skips T20 World Cup for security and dignity, says sports advisor Asif Nazrul, emphasizing player sacrifices.

Bangladesh's sports advisor Asif Nazrul, who had insisted that the country's refusal to play its T20 World Cup matches in India was driven by his government's security concerns, now says that the decision was taken by the Cricket Board and the players to "protect national dignity".

Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after the ICC declined the country's request of shifting its share of games to Sri Lanka. However, the world body has decided against penalising the nation for its stance.

Mr. Nazrul took centre-stage during the failed negotiations with the ICC prior to the team's ouster and had insisted that it was the Bangladesh government's prerogative to not send the team out of security worries.

"There is no question of regret (not playing the World Cup). This decision was taken by the BCB and the players as they made sacrifices for the safety of the country's cricket, the safety of the people, and to protect national dignity," Mr. Nazrul was quoted as saying by 'Cricbuzz' on Tuesday (February 10, 2026).

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Last month, Nazrul, after talks with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the players, had taken a hard-line position.