NEW DELHI: South African legend AB de Villiers has now entered the discussion of Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, saying that it gives “a bad look” to the sport.
De Villiers made it clear that he didn’t want to take sides on the issue and chose to stay on the fence. However, the former South Africa captain admitted he was deeply disappointed to see the situation reach such a stage.
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“I don’t want to be biased with this one, I am going to be on the fence. It’s sad, and that it should never get to a point where teams have to withdraw themselves from tournaments. I really feel that it’s sad and a bad look, and a bad take on our sport. And it should never get to this,” de Villiers said during a Facebook Live session.
The batting great also expressed his frustration over how external factors continue to interfere with cricket, something he believes damages the game at a global level.
“Whoever is in control, whoever can make the decisions, just sort it out. I have spoken enough about it in the past; I hate it when politics get so involved in cricket that it gets to a point like this. Really, really sad,” he added.
Bangladesh recently withdrew from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after the ICC denied their change in venue request.
As a result, Scotland replaced Bangladesh in the tournament and will now play all their matches as per the original schedule set by the ICC.
