This was not meant to happen. But it is happening.
Who thought this day would come? A World Cup has kicked off and there is no Bangladesh team. Feels surreal, doesn’t it? You can pinch yourself, it’s not a daydream. This is real. Bangladesh are not playing in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, citing security concerns in India as per a government-directed decision.
After a series of drama, requests to relocate the venue outside India, and both virtual and physical meetings with the International Cricket Council, the Bangladesh Cricket Board was denied. As per the government directive, the BCB held firm on its decision not to send the team. As a result, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in Group C.
Litton Das, Bangladesh’s T20 captain, was supposed to be at the Captains’ Day event in India. He was meant to take part in the official photoshoot with the World Cup trophy alongside the other captains.
Instead, on Thursday night he was leading Dhumketu XI in the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup 2026. On Saturday he was supposed to be at Eden Gardens in Kolkata for the toss against the West Indies. But he is taking a rest day from the domestic tournament while Scotland skipper Richie Berrington will call heads or tails. The same scene will unfold in at least three more group matches as Scotland face Italy, England and Nepal.
Bangladesh cricketers have not spoken loudly since the pull-out decision, which is understandable. They are frustrated. The BCB has arranged a triangular T20 tournament to compensate them financially and keep them match-ready. However, several members of the World Cup squad expressed utter disappointment over the decision by the government and the BCB to Times of Bangladesh.
Even Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons did not hide his feelings. Speaking to Times of Bangladesh, he said, “Extremely disappointed.”
A BCB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Times of Bangladesh, “If I had been at the policy-making level, I would not have handled it this way. I would have contacted the BCCI first and asked them to submit a security report within two days. Then a decision could have been taken. How can this happen? A World Cup will take place and Bangladesh will not play? Can a decision to withdraw really be taken so early on?”
Though absent from the field, Bangladesh remained relevant on Captains’ Day. Pakistan captain Salman Agha was asked about Bangladesh’s absence from the tournament. Salman said on Thursday, “Well, they are our brothers. Thanks to them for supporting us. I will say they can support us in the tournament as well. It is really sad to see them not playing the World Cup.”
Pakistan have decided not to play their match against India on 15 February in Colombo. At the heart of the matter lies Bangladesh’s exclusion. Pakistan are boycotting the fixture in protest against the ICC and BCCI over Bangladesh’s removal, a stance publicly confirmed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
On Saturday, the opening day of the World Cup features three matches. The curtain-raiser sees Netherlands face Pakistan in Colombo. The second match of the day is between Scotland and West Indies in Kolkata. The final game will be played between co-hosts India and the United States of America.
Throughout the tournament, Bangladeshi cricketers and fans will watch the action on television. The question remains, will it feel the same? The answer is certainly no.
It will not feel the same. Not when the anthem is missing. Not when the green and red flag is absent from the big screen. Not when the familiar faces are not walking out of the tunnel under the World Cup lights.
For a country where cricket is more than a sport, where streets fall silent during a chase and tea stalls turn into mini galleries of debate, watching a World Cup without Bangladesh is not just unusual, it is incomplete.
There will be sixes. There will be last-over thrillers. There will be controversies and celebrations. But for Bangladeshi fans, something will feel hollow. The emotional investment is different when your team is not in the fight. This World Cup will go on. Records will be made. A champion will be crowned. But for Bangladesh, this edition will always carry a quiet question mark.
