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New Delhi: Amid the ongoing uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, star batter Najmul Hossain Shanto has revealed that the players want to feature in the showpiece event, which is set to be played in India and Sri Lanka, starting February 07. Shanto said the World Cup is a rare opportunity, and players don’t want to miss such a big tournament.

Shanto’s comments come amid the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)’s ongoing tiff with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over its decision not to send the Bangladesh team to India for their T20 World Cup 2026 matches. Despite meetings with ICC representatives and an ultimatum from the governing body, BCB remains firm on its decision not send the Bangladesh team to India, citing security concerns.

Shanto is part of the Cricket Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), which recently led the players’ revolt against BCB, demanding the removal of director Najmul Islam. Islam was removed following CWAB’s protest. When asked if CWAB has discussed the uncertainty surrounding the Bangladesh team’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, Shanto said no such discussion has taken place yet.

“There wasn’t really an opportunity to talk about it. Those of us involved with CWAB have been very busy with matches. On top of that, something happened recently which affected the players mentally. It was a very tough time,” said the star Bangladesh batter.

Revealing the players’ stance on the matter, Shanto said the World Cup presents a rare opportunity for players and that they want to play in the tournament. The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 07 to March 08.

“As cricketers, we always want to play. And when it’s an event like the World Cup, of course we want to be there. These tournaments don’t come often. World Cups are rare. I see it as a big opportunity for us to play good cricket,” Shanto explained.

While insisting that the final call regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament will of the BCB, Shanto admitted that the players have been kept in the dark regarding the developments surrounding the ongoing issue and that they have no idea when the standoff will be resolved.

“I don’t really know what is happening internally, so it’s difficult for me to comment. But as players, we definitely want to play,” Shanto added.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board refused to send its national team to India for the T20 World Cup 2026 after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. Though BCCI refuse to clarify the move, the move came amid rising political tensions between India and Bangladesh following an attack on Hindus in the neighbouring country.