NEW DELHI: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has accused Pakistan of misleading Bangladesh over security concerns that ultimately led to Dhaka’s refusal to play its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, triggering Scotland’s late inclusion in the tournament.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking to ANI, Shukla said Bangladesh had been assured of full security and that its concerns were addressed, but the situation was aggravated by outside interference. “We wanted Bangladesh to play, and we also assured full security, but since they have made this decision, it is very difficult to change the entire schedule at the last moment. This is why Scotland was brought in,” Shukla said.
He was far more direct while referring to Pakistan’s role in the episode. “Pakistan is intervening in the matter without any reason and provoking Bangladesh. Everyone knows the brutality done by Pakistan on the Bangladeshis, and now they are trying to mislead them, which is completely wrong,” he added.The comments come amid uncertainty over Pakistan’s own participation in the T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had earlier indicated that Islamabad could rethink its participation following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from matches in India.
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According to Dawn News, Naqvi suggested Pakistan could reconsider playing in the tournament, a stance he later followed up by delaying a final decision. On Monday, Naqvi said a call on Pakistan’s participation would be deferred by up to a week. After meeting Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Naqvi described it as a “productive meeting” and said the premier had “directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table”. He later posted on X that the final decision would be taken “either on Friday or next Monday”.Despite the uncertainty, Pakistan announced a 15-member squad for the World Cup a day after Naqvi’s initial remarks, even as local media reported that the PCB was also considering boycotting a February 15 clash against arch-rivals India due to political tensions.Pakistan backed Bangladesh during an ICC Board meeting, citing last year’s Champions Trophy precedent where India played their matches in Dubai due to security concerns in Pakistan. However, the ICC stood firm, prioritising the integrity of the tournament schedule.
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