Former Team India cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin feels that Bangladesh`s decision not to travel to India for their T20 World Cup 2026 matches is ultimately their loss.
While speaking to ANI, the former cricketer said that Bangladesh cannot complain about India`s security system and also added that no overseas team has ever complained about it.
“If they don`t come, it is their loss. They cannot complain about our security system. A lot of international matches are going on, and no team has complained. If they don`t come, it will be their loss and a loss for their players. Our country is very secure. All the teams are playing. New Zealand are currently playing in India, and South Africa played just a few days ago,” said the former cricketer.
He also said that as the global showpiece tournament`s matches are already scheduled, it will be difficult to shift their games.
“You can`t keep shifting the World Cup matches here and there. Since the matches are already scheduled, it is very difficult to shift matches,” added Azharuddin.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board`s (BCB) request to move their World Cup matches out of India. BCB President, Aminul Islam Bulbul, confirmed on Thursday that the country`s board stands firm in its decision not to play its ICC Men`s World Cup matches in India, following the world cricket body`s rejection of its request.
As of now, Bangladesh are scheduled to kick off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 against two-time champions West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The Litton Das-led side is then scheduled to face Italy on February 9 at the same venue before facing England in Kolkata again. After facing England, Bangladesh are scheduled to travel to Mumbai to play Nepal at Wankhede Stadium.
Pakistan has come out in support of Bangladesh.
IND vs NZ T20Is: Series scenario
Meanwhile, Team India and New Zealand are already busy featuring in the five-match T20I series. Currently, the “Men in Blue” have taken a lead by 1-0 against the “Black Caps”. The second T20I match will be played on Friday at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Raipur.
The contest will serve as a preparatory series for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. It will be interesting to see if the “Men in Blue” manage to defend their shortest format World title.
(With ANI Inputs)
