Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has opened up about the growing strain on his team as the fate of their participation in next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup hangs in the balance. Shanto admitted that ongoing disputes over whether Bangladesh will play its scheduled matches in India are affecting the players as well.
The tournament, set to begin on February 7, 2026, is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh are due to play four of their group fixtures in India—three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. But Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials have asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate these matches to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns following political tensions between India and Bangladesh.
“We act as if nothing affects us — as if we are fully professional. But you guys also understand that we are acting. It’s not easy," Shanto told reporters.
Bangladesh’s demands come in the wake of an incident involving fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was released from his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise following the instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).