Overview:
Shanto mentioned that the uncertainty surrounding the participation of Bangladesh in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is affecting the players mentally.
Bangladesh cricket is facing its toughest time after the Kolkata Knight Riders released Mustafizur Rahman at the instructions of the BCCI.
Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has hit out at the BCB director for calling Tamim Iqbal an Indian agent. Iqbal was not pleased with the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s handling of the stand-off with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, saying it could impact cricket in the country.
However, his suggestion was not taken lightly by the BCB director, M Najmul Islam. “The people of Bangladesh saw the emergence of a proven Indian agent,” he wrote on Facebook.
Shanto slammed Najmul for turning against one of the greatest cricketers of Bangladesh.
“It is sad such comments are being made about a cricketer. He is one of the most successful cricketers of Bangladesh, and we grew up watching him. As players, we expect respect. It is difficult to accept such a comment from a person who is supposed to be our guardian. I completely reject it as a player,” Shanto was quoted as saying by PTI.
Shanto mentioned that the uncertainty surrounding the participation of Bangladesh in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is affecting the players mentally.
“Something happens before every World Cup. It does affect us. We can act as if we are not being impacted, as we are professional cricketers. You know we are worried, and it is not easy,” he added.
Shanto said that players want to perform for the team.
“I don’t have the details about what is happening at the moment. We should go to the World Cup with the right mindset and perform for the team,” he concluded.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board is not willing to send the national team to India and has urged the ICC to shift their World Cup matches to Sri Lanka. They have sent a second letter, highlighting their concerns.
The problem started after Rahman was removed from the IPL.