Shakib Al Hasan has called Bangladesh’s absence from the 2026 T20 World Cup a “blunder” and said the country missed something huge by staying away from cricket’s biggest stage.
Speaking at the EUT20 Belgium event in Mumbai, the former Bangladesh captain said the decision was a serious mistake and a painful one for a nation that loves cricket deeply.
“I think that’s a big loss, a great miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned,” Shakib said.
“Because we as a country love watching our players playing World Cups, playing matches. We are a cricket-loving country and, you know, a country like Bangladesh not participating in the World Cup was such a big miss. I think it’s a blunder from the government side that they took the decision not to participate in that World Cup.”
Shakib said Bangladesh cricket is now moving in a better direction as a team. He believes the side no longer depends only on a few major stars.
“Previously it used to be individuals, now it’s more about the team. And I think that’s the better way to go forward.”
He pointed to Bangladesh’s recent win over New Zealand as a sign of that progress.
Shakib also spoke about the country’s future players. He did not want to name many individuals, but he made it clear that Nahid Rana is someone Bangladesh must handle with care.
“Yes, I think we need to nurture him really well. He’s still very young. I think he has a great head on his shoulders. But still he needs guidance. And if he’s guided properly, I think he can be a great asset to Bangladesh cricket.”
On Tamim Iqbal’s possible future in Bangladesh Cricket Board leadership, Shakib said the former opener could help the game with proper long-term planning.
“Hopefully, if he becomes the president, I think he will have a long-term plan. And obviously, Bangladesh cricket will benefit from him.”
Shakib Al Hasan will lead the Akcel United Brussels in EUT20 Belgium for the inaugural season of the tournament.
