Bangladesh ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has said the decision to keep the national team away from the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India was driven entirely by political considerations, rather than cricketing ones.
Speaking to RevSportz while representing Galle Gladiators in the Lanka Premier League, Miraz was asked whether the Bangladesh Cricket Board should have allowed the team to travel for the tournament. “I think it was completely a political issue. Beyond that, I don’t really have anything else to say,” he said.
The all rounder admitted missing out on the World Cup had been a significant disappointment, both for senior players and for a younger generation eager for their first taste of the tournament. “Of course, it was disappointing. Every player dreams of playing in a World Cup. Many of our younger cricketers were also waiting for that opportunity. But because of the political situation, it was not possible. Everyone knows the circumstances,” he said. Asked directly whether players wanted to play in India, Miraz was unequivocal. “Everyone wants to play in India.”
With that chapter now behind them, attention has turned to Bangladesh’s upcoming assignment against India, who are set to tour later this year for three ODIs and three T20Is in September. Miraz believes the series carries major significance given how long it has been since the two sides last met. “We are really excited about this series. If India come to Bangladesh, it will be a huge occasion for our country. It has been a long time since we last played against them. India are a very strong side, so we know it will be a tough challenge. Our goal is to play good cricket in our own conditions. We are looking forward to a highly competitive series.”
The build up has also brought back memories of one of the defining moments of Miraz’s career, Bangladesh’s historic ODI series win over India in 2022. With the hosts struggling at 69 for six in Mirpur during that decisive match, Miraz and Mahmudullah put together a 148 run partnership for the seventh wicket. Mahmudullah made 77 before falling, while Miraz finished unbeaten on exactly 100 from 83 balls, striking eight fours and four sixes as Bangladesh posted 271 for seven and went on to defend the total by five runs, sealing the series with a game to spare. Miraz was named player of the match, having also dismissed Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
“It was a very special moment for me,” Miraz said. “When we had already lost six wickets, Mahmudullah Riyad bhai and I built an important partnership. At that stage, I was not thinking too much. My only focus was to stay positive, play according to the situation and take each ball as it came. We kept believing, and in the end it became a memorable victory. That is something I will never forget.”
India arrive on the back of a dominant run in world cricket, having won the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup, but Miraz is confident Bangladesh can use home conditions to their advantage. Bangladesh themselves head into the series in good form, having won four consecutive ODI series against West Indies, Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia under Miraz’s captaincy, before a recent 2-1 series defeat to Zimbabwe.
“It is a huge responsibility for me and for the team,” Miraz said. “We have played very good cricket in recent series, and the players have performed brilliantly. We have also handled pressure situations well. The upcoming World Cup is a massive opportunity because playing in a World Cup is every cricketer’s dream. We need to keep improving every day and adapt better to different situations and conditions.”
