The T20 World Cup 2026 is already facing controversy, with Bangladesh withdrawing from the tournament in India and Sri Lanka over unmet demands. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reportedly wanted their team to play in Sri Lanka, and when the ICC did not accommodate their request, they chose to pull out entirely.
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has weighed in on the situation, placing the blame squarely on the BCB and cautioning Pakistan against following a similar path. Speaking to NDTV on the sidelines of the World Legends Pro T20 League, Raina said, “I think whatever happened with Bangladesh, we provided the security, everything was there. I think it’s their fault.”
Raina also stressed the sporting consequences of Bangladesh’s withdrawal. “If they had come to India, it would have been different because the Bangladesh team is very, very strong. Their spinners know the conditions really well. I think they’re going to lose out so much,” he added. He further noted that the ICC has signalled strict action against any team that refuses to play in India.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Pakistan could skip their match against India on February 15 in Sri Lanka, depending on the outcome of their other two fixtures. Although no formal decision has been made, ex-Pakistan captain Rashid Latif recently commented, “If the government says we will not play against India, the ICC will have to accept it. If they don’t, that is where the real confrontation begins.”
India’s group also features Namibia and the USA, the latter having defeated Pakistan in the previous T20 World Cup, adding another layer of intrigue to the tournament. With these developments, the lead-up to the T20 World Cup is shaping up to be as dramatic off the field as it promises to be on it.
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