Skipping T20 World Cup a ‘Blunder’ by the Government: Shakib Al Hasan

Speaking at an 'EUT20 Belgium' event in Mumbai, as reported by Cricinfo, Shakib expressed that missing the tournament was a massive loss for the country’s cricketing future and its fans. Shakib, who has been abroad since August 5 due to political shifts and legal challenges, emphasized that as a cricket-loving nation, seeing the team on the world stage is vital.

The controversy began when Bangladesh refused to play in India, citing security concerns after Mustafizur Rahman was recalled from the IPL under specific pressures. Despite the BCB's request to move matches to Sri Lanka, the ICC remained firm on the original venue. As the then Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul maintained a rigid stance, the ICC eventually replaced Bangladesh with Scotland. This marked the first time in this century that Bangladesh missed a major global ICC event—a move Shakib describes as a significant missed opportunity for the players and the nation.