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Azharuddin: Bangladesh's T20 WC India Boycott "Their Loss"

Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has stated that Bangladesh's decision not to travel to India for their T20 World Cup 2026 matches will be a loss for the Bangladeshi team itself. He defended India's security, pointing to ongoing and recent international series with New Zealand and South Africa. The Bangladesh Cricket Board had requested the ICC move their matches to Sri Lanka due to safety concerns, a request the ICC has rejected. Despite the ICC's decision, the BCB remains firm in its stance, with its World Cup matches still scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Key Points: Azharuddin on Bangladesh Skipping India T20 WC Matches

  • Bangladesh refuses to play T20 WC in India
  • Azharuddin calls it a loss for Bangladesh
  • ICC rejected BCB's request to move matches
  • BCB cited security concerns for players
  • Matches scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai
2 min read

"It's their loss": Azharuddin on Bangladesh's decision of not travelling to India for T20 WC

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin says Bangladesh's decision not to travel to India for T20 World Cup 2026 matches is "their loss," defends security.

"If they don't come, it is their loss. They cannot complain about our security system. - Mohammad Azharuddin"

Hyderabad, January 23

Telangana Minister and former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin stated that Bangladesh's decision not to travel to India for their upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 matches will ultimately lead to losses for them.

Speaking to ANI, Azharuddin suggested that it is unreasonable for Bangladesh to be complaining about India's safety and security system, noting that New Zealand are currently playing in India and South Africa also played recently."If they don't come, it is their loss. They cannot complain about our security system. A lot of international matches are going on, and no team has complained. If they don't come, it will be their loss and a loss for their players. Our country is very secure. All the teams are playing. New Zealand are currently playing in India, and South Africa played just a few days ago," Azharuddin said.

"You can't keep shifting the World Cup matches here and there. Since the matches are already scheduled, it is very difficult to shift matches," the former Indian cricketer added.

Azharuddin's remarks come after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had requested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) shift their matches outside India to Sri Lanka, citing "security and safety concerns" for their players. BCB's request came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had instructed the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur from their squad ahead of the 2026 season, amid violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

ICC on Wednesday rejected the BCB's request to move their matches out of India for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup via video conference, which was convened to discuss the way forward. The BCB President, Aminul Islam Bulbul, confirmed on Thursday that the BCB stands firm in its decision not to play its ICC Men's World Cup matches in India, following the ICC's rejection of its request.

As per the current schedule, 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 is then scheduled to 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

P
Priya S
While I support our security, I think we should also try to understand their concerns. Cricket should be above politics. Maybe there's a diplomatic way to resolve this so the fans don't suffer. A World Cup without a full-strength Bangladesh team feels incomplete.
V
Vikram M
This is just posturing by BCB. They know India's security is top-class. New Zealand and South Africa are playing without issues. They're probably upset about Mustafizur being released from KKR. Don't mix club cricket with international duty!
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Kolkata, I'm really disappointed. Eden Gardens is a historic venue and the crowd here loves cricket. We would have welcomed the Bangladesh team warmly. Their decision deprives their own fans of watching them play on a big stage.
R
Rohit P
Honestly, if they don't come, it's better for Team India! One less tough opponent in the group stage 😄 But on a serious note, the ICC has made its decision. The schedule is set. They should respect it and focus on cricket.
K
Karthik V
This sets a bad precedent. If every board starts making demands based on bilateral issues, how will global sports function? The ICC must stand firm. Security in India during ICC events is always paramount – remember the 2011 World Cup?

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

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