“Politics has entered the picture in Bangladesh” - Manoj Tiwary slams BCB for boycotting ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Former Indian cricketer and analyst Manoj Tiwary has lashed out at Bangladesh's decision not to play their T20 World Cup matches in India, stating that there is political interference in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Tiwary has asserted that politics has entered the picture in Bangladesh, adding that political figures have become heavily involved within the BCB, which is the reason why these kinds of decisions are coming out.

"It wasn't from the board's side. Today, if you watched the press conference, the Sports Minister gave a statement to the media, saying there is a security risk, but the board president was standing right next to him,” Manoj Tiwary told ANI.

“Generally, in other countries, the cricket board is an autonomous body, and political and ministerial involvement is limited only to organising the events. But in their country, politics has entered the picture, and political figures have become heavily involved in the board, and these kinds of decisions are emerging,” he added. 

“Regarding the safety, if that's the question, then Sheikh Hasina also came to our country after the protests there, and she is safe here, isn't she? The central government of our country has provided her with good security and given her refuge here. So, if a country's Prime Minister can come and live safely here, then the players will definitely get safety,” he stated.

For the unversed, on Thursday, January 22, the BCB decided to boycott the ICC mega event and won't be sending their team to the showpiece event in India and Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India.

If Bangladesh is out of the event, Scotland could end up replacing them in the tournament. Bangladesh was scheduled to play alongside the West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal in Group B.

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