Asif Nazrul shifts stance, says players and BCB decided World Cup boycott

Asif Nazrul, the Bangladesh government's sports advisor, on Tuesday (February 10) took a strange U-turn from his earlier stance, insisting that the decision to not take part in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 was made by the cricketers and the Bangladesh Cricket Board, and not by the government.

Asif's remarks are strange, given that earlier on January 22, the interim government lawmaker had insisted that Bangladesh's decision to skip the tournament was a government call.

Asif had met the cricketers on January 22 after Litton Das revealed that the players had not been part of any discussion regarding participation in the World Cup. Following that meeting, Asif told the media that he had informed the players of the government's decision - a meeting that seemed more like a briefing, where players were apprised of the decision rather than being involved in the process.

"The purpose of the meeting was simply to explain to the players why the government took this decision and give them the context. I believe they understood. That was the purpose - nothing else," Asif told reporters on January 22.

"I think we did not get justice from ICC. Whether we will play in the World Cup or not is entirely a government decision," he added.

However, Asif surprised many on Tuesday when he said that the decision to not play in the World Cup was not taken by the government, but by the board and the players.

"There is no question of regret (not playing the World Cup). This decision was taken by the BCB and the players as they made sacrifices for the safety of the country's cricket, the safety of the people and to protect national dignity," Asif told reporters on Tuesday.

Asif then added that he was pleased with the ICC's response and said the global body was ready to cooperate with Bangladesh in the coming days.

"The ICC has said there will be no sanctions and that Bangladesh will be considered for hosting an international tournament. This is a brilliant achievement. I salute the Bangladesh Cricket Board," he added.

It is understood that Asif played a significant role in Bangladesh's decision to stay away from the World Cup, citing the interim government's anti-India stance after coming to power following the student movement in July 2025, which ousted the Awami League government - a long-time ally of India that had been in office for three consecutive terms.