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Atul Wassan Slams Bangladesh: Cricket Won't Suffer Without Them in T20 WC

Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan has strongly supported the ICC's decision to keep Bangladesh's T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, calling it the right move. He suggested Bangladesh's objections stem from "sulking" over Mustafizur Rahman's removal from the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL squad. Wassan stated that cricket would not suffer if Bangladesh chose not to participate, as they are not considered strong contenders to win the tournament. The ICC confirmed the tournament schedule after a board meeting, with Bangladesh set to play their group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Key Points: Wassan Backs ICC on Bangladesh T20 WC Venue, Questions Team's Strength

  • Wassan backs ICC & BCCI decision
  • Says Bangladesh "sulking" over IPL removal
  • Questions Bangladesh as tournament contenders
  • T20 WC 2026 to proceed as scheduled
2 min read

Atul Wassan slams Bangladesh, says cricket won't suffer if they don't participate in T20 WC

Former cricketer Atul Wassan supports ICC keeping Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches in India, says cricket won't be diluted if they boycott.

"If they don't come... I don't think cricket will be diluted. - Atul Wassan"

By Karunesh Kumar, Gurugram, January 21

Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan backed the International Cricket Council's decision to keep Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches in India, saying it's the right call. He also took a dig at Bangladesh, stating that cricket won't suffer if they don't participate, as they're not strong contenders to win the tournament.

Wassan believes Bangladesh is just "sulking" over Muztafizur Rahman's removal by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 squad in response to a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding atrocities committed against minorities in Bangladesh.

While speaking to ANI, Wassan said, "Well done ICC because I was expecting this, and the right decision has been made by ICC, and well done BCCI also because it's not fair for a team to just put all the teams under pressure and under inconvenience. It's (T20 World Cup) such a big tournament, and you should have thought of this before. You got miffed, and you're sulking that one of the players was taken away from IPL, and you've taken this step. So now, if they don't come as is, I don't think cricket will be diluted. You know we can have Scotland, Bangladesh is not rated to win any of the tournaments."

ICC on Wednesday confirmed the T20 World Cup 2026 will proceed as scheduled, with Bangladesh's matches to be played in India.

The decision was taken following an ICC Board meeting on Wednesday via video conference, which was convened to discuss the way forward after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had asked that its matches be moved out of India to Sri Lanka.

The T20 World Cup will kick off on February 7. Bangladesh are scheduled to kick off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 against two-time champions West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The Litton Das-led side will then face Italy on February 9 at the same venue before facing England in Kolkata again. After facing England, Bangladesh are scheduled to travel to Mumbai to play Nepal at Wankhede Stadium.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I understand the logistical point, the tone feels a bit harsh. Calling them "not strong contenders" publicly is unnecessary. Sportsmanship should prevail, even in disagreements.
V
Vikram M
Absolutely spot on! The World Cup is bigger than any one team. If they don't want to play in India, fine. Let Scotland or another deserving team have the spot. Bachcha nahi hai jo sulk karega (They are not children to sulk).
P
Priya S
As a cricket fan from Kolkata, I'm disappointed. I was looking forward to seeing the matches at Eden Gardens. This kind of last-minute drama spoils the spirit of the game. Hope they reconsider and just play.
R
Rohit P
The BCCI's directive regarding the IPL player is a separate issue. Mixing that with the World Cup venue is not right. But Wassan has a point about the inconvenience to other teams and fans. The show must go on!
N
Nikhil C
Frankly, it's true they are not title contenders. But every team brings its own flavor to a World Cup. Still, you can't hold a global event hostage. The decision is final, now let's enjoy some great cricket.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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