Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has voiced support for the ICC’s call to maintain the original schedule for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, even after the Bangladesh Cricket Board decided against travelling to India. Kaneria dismissed concerns over Bangladesh’s decision, indicating that their absence would have little influence on the overall shape of the tournament.
Bangladesh had previously conveyed to the ICC its unwillingness to tour India due to security-related apprehensions arising from diplomatic tensions, and had sought an alternative venue in Sri Lanka for its fixtures. The ICC, however, confirmed on Wednesday that the T20 World Cup schedule remains unchanged, with Bangladesh set to play its matches in India as originally planned.
The issue gained further traction after the BCCI directed KKR to part ways with Mustafizur Rahman prior to IPL 2026 due to the current political backdrop.
Speaking to IANS, Kaneria said, “The situation involving Mustafizur, who was part of KKR, became sensitive due to the unrest and public sentiment, which led to his removal. Shah Rukh Khan, as the franchise owner, took the call to release him. There was no directive from either the BCCI or the ICC, it was a personal decision driven by what he felt was the right thing to do.
“The BCCI and the ICC never instructed Bangladesh to stay away from India. In fact, they were open to hosting them, and every ICC member team is assured of comprehensive security.”
Referring to the ICC meeting, Kaneria said, “All member boards were present whether it was England, Australia or the West Indies. When the proposal was put to a vote, it received unanimous backing apart from Pakistan and Bangladesh. Those were the only two votes against it.”
Rejecting suggestions that Pakistan could mirror Bangladesh’s decision, Kaneria stated that the ICC has sufficient fallback options in place.
“I don’t see that happening because of the consequences. There are penalties and established regulations in place. If Bangladesh opt out, Scotland can step in. If Pakistan choose not to participate, another side will replace them — Namibia, for instance, has been performing strongly. The ICC and the BCCI won’t take a hit,” he said.