‘We have the right to play’: Asif Nazrul's emotional appeal as Bangladesh face T20 World Cup exclusion

Bangladesh sports adviser Asif Nazrul has reacted strongly to the possibility of Bangladesh being excluded from the T20 World Cup 2026, saying the country has the right to play in the tournament but is still being pushed out.

Speaking to a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) presenter during a live match from the stadium, Nazrul highlighted the passion of Bangladeshi fans and said the large crowd presence was very important at this time.

“Bangladeshi people love their cricketers and they love cricket, and the huge presence of spectators is a testament to that. It was much needed. Quite recently Bangladesh were on the verge of being excluded from the T20 World Cup. They have the right to play there, but they are being excluded. So, at such a crucial time, the huge presence of spectators will definitely encourage Bangladesh cricket and its cricketers,” Nazrul said.

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His comments came a day after the International Cricket Council (ICC) formally rejected Bangladesh’s demand to move all their T20 World Cup matches out of India. The ICC also confirmed that there will be no change to the schedule that was announced in November.

The decision was taken during an ICC Board meeting held on Wednesday, which was attended by ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta and directors from all Full Member nations, including BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. ICC chairman Jay Shah was not present at the meeting.

During the meeting, the ICC Board voted 14-2 in favour of replacing Bangladesh at the T20 World Cup if the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refuses to send the team to India. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi were reportedly the only two members who voted against the proposal.

If Bangladesh are removed from the tournament, Scotland are expected to replace them. Scotland are currently the highest-ranked team not taking part in the T20 World Cup. The ICC also said it would not change the schedule as independent security assessments did not find any credible threat to the Bangladeshi team in India.

The T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model agreement between the BCCI and the PCB, which has been in place since the ICC Champions Trophy last year.

Bangladesh government refuses to change stance

Despite the ICC’s decision, the Bangladesh government announced on Thursday that the national team will not travel to India for the T20 World Cup. After meeting national team players in Dhaka, Asif Nazrul said the decision was taken as the government feels it is not safe for the players to play in India.

While the ICC maintained that Bangladesh’s matches will remain in India, Nazrul said the country is still hopeful that the ICC will reconsider its position. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul also criticised the ICC Board meeting and said Bangladesh will continue to fight for a venue change.

Bangladesh are placed in Group C of the T20 World Cup 2026 and are scheduled to play their matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. However, the BCB has repeatedly stated that India is not safe for their players.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has now written again to the ICC, asking for the matter to be referred to the global body’s independent dispute resolution committee. According to a report in the Times of India, the latest letter was sent just hours after Nazrul once again said that Bangladesh will not travel to India, even if it means missing the T20 World Cup.