Bangladesh’s absence from the T20 World Cup 2026 remains a bitter pill to swallow, but the country’s cricket board has moved quickly to offer its players an alternative.
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After being replaced by Scotland at the global showpiece, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a short, three-team domestic T20 tournament, beginning February 5, aimed at keeping players match-ready and motivated.
Bangladesh were excluded from the T20 World Cup after refusing to travel to India, despite repeated security assurances from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Scotland was subsequently named as their replacement, a decision accepted by the BCB. However, the fallout left Bangladesh’s players frustrated, having already been named in the provisional World Cup squad and suddenly stripped of a marquee assignment just weeks before the tournament.
Bangladesh turn to domestic cricket after World Cup exclusion
In response, the BCB has fast-tracked the domestic competition, which will feature three teams captained by some of the country’s most recognisable names. According to Cricbuzz, Litton Das will lead Dhumketu XI, Najmul Hossain Shanto will captain Durbar XI, while Akbar Ali will head Duronto XI.
The group-stage matches will be held between February 5 and 7, with the final scheduled for February 9.
The board has confirmed a total payout of Tk 2.5 crore (approximately INR 1.86 crore) through prize money and match fees, a welcome boost for players amid concerns of significant financial losses following their World Cup exclusion.
To add tactical depth, the tournament will also feature an Impact Player rule. In addition, a fitness camp for the national pool is set to begin at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium from February 1, as Bangladesh look to regroup after a turbulent few weeks.
