‘Are you sure Bangladesh is playing?’ Litton Das raises doubts over BCB's T20 World Cup participation

Bangladesh T20I captain Litton Das has raised fresh uncertainty over Bangladesh cricket team’s participation in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, following Rangpur Riders’ elimination from the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Tuesday.

Rangpur Knocked Out in Last-Ball Thriller

Litton’s comments came after Rangpur suffered a narrow defeat against Sylhet Titans in a tense, low-scoring qualifier. Chasing a modest target of 112, Sylhet clinched victory off the final delivery as Chris Woakes smashed Faheem Ashraf for a six.

Moments after Rangpur’s exit, Litton addressed the media and was asked whether the slow pitches in the BPL were ideal preparation for the T20 World Cup.


Responding sharply, Litton said, “Are you sure we are going to play in the World Cup?”

He further added, “In fact, there is still a long time to go before the World Cup, and we are not even certain whether we will go at all. This is by no means an ideal wicket for T20 cricket. We had expected a much better wicket for a qualifier match,” as quoted by Bangladeshi media The Daily Star.

No Communication From BCB, Says Captain

When questioned about whether the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had discussed the World Cup situation with him, Litton responded clearly.

“No,” he said. Asked whether such talks should have taken place given his role as T20I captain, Litton added, “I don't know, but it hasn't happened with me.”

The uncertainty follows Bangladesh’s rejection of what it described as “unreasonable conditions” imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for participation in the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in India.

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said Bangladesh would not bow to pressure. “If the ICC bows to pressure from the Indian cricket board and imposes unreasonable conditions on us, we will not accept them,” he stated.

Nazrul also cited precedent, saying, “There are precedents in international cricket, when India refused to play in Pakistan, the ICC changed the venue. We have reasonably asked for a venue Change.”

IPL Fallout and Deadline Dispute

Tensions escalated after Mustafizur Rahman was removed from Indian Premier League 2026, following which the BCB reiterated it would not tour India under the current circumstances.

While ICC sources claim Bangladesh were given a January 21 deadline to confirm participation, the BCB has denied this. Media committee chairman Amjad Hossain said “no specific date” had been set, adding that discussions are ongoing and a response from the ICC is awaited.

Schedule Remains Unchanged—for Now

Despite the uncertainty, the ICC continues to stick to the existing schedule. Bangladesh are slated to play their group-stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, starting February 7. With the tournament just weeks away, Bangladesh’s participation remains in doubt.

Bangladesh Squad for T20 World Cup

Bangladesh Squad: Litton Das (C), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shaif Uddin, Shoriful Islam

[With TOI inputs]