Raipur buzzed with cricket anticipation as BCCI president Mithun Manhas arrived for the second T20 match at Swami Vivekananda Airport. But the air turned tense when reporters grilled him on Bangladesh’s dramatic withdrawal from the 2026 T20 World Cup, citing refusal to play in India.
Manhas, ever the diplomat, sidestepped the loaded question with a smile. ‘I’m here for the second T20 match in Raipur,’ he quipped, flashing a grin before briskly moving on. His evasion left more questions than answers, highlighting the growing rift between the cricket boards.
Meanwhile, in Dhaka, a high-stakes meeting unfolded on the ICC’s deadline day. Bangladesh Cricket Board officials, government representatives, and key players convened to deliberate the nation’s participation. The outcome was clear: no India, no World Cup.
Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul broke the news in a press conference, pinning the decision on persistent security fears. ‘Our players toiled hard to qualify, but the risks in India remain too high amid regional tensions,’ he stated firmly. He emphasized protecting athletes, fans, and media from potential hazards over tournament glory.
Tensions trace back to Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL 2026 exclusion, fueled by social media outrage over alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. The 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina has further strained India-Bangladesh ties, spilling into cricket.
Bangladesh had begged the ICC to shift their matches to Sri Lanka, but the plea fell on deaf ears. With the deadline passed, the ICC now eyes replacements, reshaping the tournament landscape. As India prepares to host, this boycott underscores how politics continues to bowl bouncers at global cricket.