Bangladesh Test captain urges BCB to save cricket after T20 World Cup boycott
Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has called on the Bangladesh Cricket Board to take decisive action to protect the future of the sport the country's decision to boycott the T20 World Cup in India.
Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has made a public appeal to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to ensure continuity and stability within the sport, amid growing concerns over Bangladesh cricket’s direction. Shanto’s comments come in the aftermath of Bangladesh being officially replaced by Scotland at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following the board’s decision not to travel to India.
Shanto, who recently captained Rajshahi Warriors to a dominant 63-run victory over Chattogram Royals in the Bangladesh Premier League final, spoke at a time when administrative uncertainty has begun to overshadow on-field performances. Bangladesh had remained firm on their stance of not participating in the tournament unless their matches were relocated from India, citing security concerns for players and supporters. With no reversal from the BCB, the International Cricket Council moved ahead with its contingency plan, officially naming Scotland as Bangladesh’s replacement for the tournament scheduled from February 7 to March 8.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shanto highlighted the toll that off-field developments have taken on the sport.
“Speaking as a player, I want to say that over the last year or two, the environment outside the field has caused a lot of harm to cricket,” he said.
Also Read: Watch: Bangladesh sports advisor acknowledges T20 World Cup fate on live TV
“I would like to make a request to those who are in positions of responsibility: it is important that everyone comes together, reaches an understanding, and ensures that cricket continues.”
Shanto further stressed the need for clarity and better governance during a period of uncertainty.
“The game may still be going on, but it is crucial to think about how it can be run in a better and more organised way. At the moment, there is a great deal of uncertainty about what will happen next. Everyone has responsibilities in their own roles, and it is essential that cricket is played regularly on the field and that healthy competition is maintained.”
Although not selected for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup plans, Shanto underlined that the absence from a global tournament must not stall players’ development. With Bangladesh now officially excluded, he urged the BCB to ensure strong domestic alternatives to keep players match-ready and supporters engaged.
“There has been a lot of criticism around cricket in Dhaka as well,” Shanto added.
“I would also like to request that this time it is organised better and more smoothly than in previous editions. If we do not go to the World Cup, my appeal to the board would be to arrange an even better and more well-run tournament for us, so that everyone gets the opportunity to play.”
Shanto also warned against allowing administrative disputes to spill onto the field, stressing that unresolved off-field issues risk stalling Bangladesh cricket’s growth and competitiveness. As Scotland prepare to take Bangladesh’s place at the T20 World Cup 2026, pressure continues to mount on the BCB and government authorities to restore stability and protect the long-term future of the game in the country.
Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has made a public appeal to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to ensure continuity and stability within the sport, amid growing concerns over Bangladesh cricket’s direction. Shanto’s comments come in the aftermath of Bangladesh being officially replaced by Scotland at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following the board’s decision not to travel to India.
Shanto, who recently captained Rajshahi Warriors to a dominant 63-run victory over Chattogram Royals in the Bangladesh Premier League final, spoke at a time when administrative uncertainty has begun to overshadow on-field performances. Bangladesh had remained firm on their stance of not participating in the tournament unless their matches were relocated from India, citing security concerns for players and supporters. With no reversal from the BCB, the International Cricket Council moved ahead with its contingency plan, officially naming Scotland as Bangladesh’s replacement for the tournament scheduled from February 7 to March 8.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shanto highlighted the toll that off-field developments have taken on the sport.
“Speaking as a player, I want to say that over the last year or two, the environment outside the field has caused a lot of harm to cricket,” he said.
Also Read: Watch: Bangladesh sports advisor acknowledges T20 World Cup fate on live TV
“I would like to make a request to those who are in positions of responsibility: it is important that everyone comes together, reaches an understanding, and ensures that cricket continues.”
Shanto further stressed the need for clarity and better governance during a period of uncertainty.
“The game may still be going on, but it is crucial to think about how it can be run in a better and more organised way. At the moment, there is a great deal of uncertainty about what will happen next. Everyone has responsibilities in their own roles, and it is essential that cricket is played regularly on the field and that healthy competition is maintained.”
Although not selected for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup plans, Shanto underlined that the absence from a global tournament must not stall players’ development. With Bangladesh now officially excluded, he urged the BCB to ensure strong domestic alternatives to keep players match-ready and supporters engaged.
“There has been a lot of criticism around cricket in Dhaka as well,” Shanto added.
“I would also like to request that this time it is organised better and more smoothly than in previous editions. If we do not go to the World Cup, my appeal to the board would be to arrange an even better and more well-run tournament for us, so that everyone gets the opportunity to play.”
Shanto also warned against allowing administrative disputes to spill onto the field, stressing that unresolved off-field issues risk stalling Bangladesh cricket’s growth and competitiveness. As Scotland prepare to take Bangladesh’s place at the T20 World Cup 2026, pressure continues to mount on the BCB and government authorities to restore stability and protect the long-term future of the game in the country.