Former captain Shakib Al Hasan has criticised Bangladesh’s decision to skip the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, calling it a “major blunder” and a significant setback for the country’s cricket.

Speaking on the sidelines of the EUT20 Belgium jersey launch, the former Bangladesh captain said the government’s call to withdraw from the tournament was a serious mistake. “I think it’s a blunder from the government side not to participate in that World Cup,” Shakib said.

He stressed that missing a global event of such scale impacts not only the players but also millions of fans in a cricket-loving nation. “It’s a big loss for Bangladesh cricket. As a country, we love watching our players compete in World Cups and big matches,” he added.

Bangladesh opted out of the tournament, which was hosted in India, citing security concerns and issues related to national dignity amid strained diplomatic ties. The team had reportedly requested a venue shift to Sri Lanka, but the proposal was not accepted, leading to their withdrawal. They were eventually replaced by Scotland national cricket team in the competition.

Despite the setback, Shakib expressed optimism about the team’s current form and future prospects. He pointed to recent performances, including a win over New Zealand national cricket team, as evidence of steady progress.

“The team is playing really well right now. Earlier, it was about individual performances, but now it’s more about teamwork, which is the right way forward,” he said.

He also highlighted the emergence of young talent alongside experienced players, saying the blend gives him confidence about Bangladesh cricket’s future. “Most players are promising and performing well. With experienced players guiding the new generation, I believe we have a bright future,” Shakib added.