Colombo – Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has ignited a fresh wave of controversy ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 with his remarks concerning Bangladesh's absence from the tournament. Speaking at the Captains' Day press conference on Thursday in Colombo, Agha expressed his disappointment, stating, "Bangladeshis are our brothers; we are grateful for their support for Pakistan. It's a pity that they are not playing in the tournament". These comments have stirred debate, given the circumstances surrounding Bangladesh's exclusion and Pakistan's subsequent decision to boycott their match against India.

Bangladesh was removed from the T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India due to security concerns, seeking relocation of their fixtures. The ICC, however, stood firm on its original schedule, leading to Bangladesh's replacement by Scotland. This decision has been met with criticism from the BCB, who felt the ICC did not adequately address their concerns. A BCB director stated that the ICC excluded them without properly listening to their position.

Adding fuel to the fire, Pakistan has confirmed its participation in the World Cup but has decided to boycott their group-stage match against India on February 15 as a sign of solidarity with Bangladesh. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly supported this decision, asserting that it was a "considered stance" to stand by Bangladesh. He stated that sports should remain free from politics.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, has also criticized the ICC's handling of the situation, citing double standards, especially in light of India's refusal to tour Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. He argued that Bangladesh deserved respect and flexibility as a full ICC member.

However, Pakistan's boycott has not been universally welcomed, even within Bangladesh cricket circles. Some members of the BCB are concerned that the boycott of the India-Pakistan match will result in financial losses for the entire cricketing world, including Bangladesh, which relies heavily on ICC revenue sharing. One BCB director, speaking anonymously, acknowledged that Pakistan's decision might be aimed at challenging India's dominance but also pointed out the potential financial repercussions.

The ICC has responded to the situation by stating that "selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions". The ICC also expressed concerns about the significant and long-term implications for cricket, including the potential impact on the global cricket ecosystem.

Agha's comments have reopened a sensitive issue, highlighting the complex interplay of politics, security concerns, and financial considerations in international cricket. As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, the tension between the BCB and the ICC, further complicated by Pakistan's stance, will likely remain a central talking point. It remains to be seen how these developments will affect the tournament and the relationships between the involved cricketing boards.