New Delhi, Jan 23 (NationPress) Former Pakistani spinner Danish Kaneria firmly backs the ICC’s decision to maintain the tournament schedule, despite the BCB's announcement to refrain from traveling to India for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He emphasized that Bangladesh's absence from the tournament wouldn’t significantly affect the competition, stating, "it’s not like they were going to finish in the top four."

Previously, Bangladesh communicated their intent to the ICC regarding their withdrawal from India, citing security concerns amid escalating tensions between the nations and requested the relocation of their matches to Sri Lanka. Nonetheless, the ICC reaffirmed on Wednesday that the T20 World Cup will continue as planned, with matches involving Bangladesh still scheduled to occur in India.

This stance comes in light of the BCCI instructing the Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2026, due to the ongoing political strife between India and Bangladesh.

In an interview with IANS, Kaneria remarked, “The situation concerning Mustafizur, who was part of KKR, forced the team to bench him due to the unrest and public sentiment. Shah Rukh Khan, the owner of KKR, made the decision to release him out of humanitarian concern. There was no pressure from the BCCI or ICC; he acted as he believed was right.”

“Neither the BCCI nor the ICC discouraged Bangladesh from visiting India; they invited them warmly. All teams under the ICC’s umbrella are guaranteed comprehensive security,” he added.

Regarding the subsequent ICC meeting, he noted, “A meeting was held with representatives from every board, including those from England, Australia, and West Indies. During voting, all boards supported the ICC’s proposal, with only the Pakistan Cricket Board siding with Bangladesh. Just two votes were against it.”

Kaneria expressed concern about the troubling events in Bangladesh leading up to this situation, labeling them as profoundly disturbing and morally wrong.

“Reflecting on the events in Bangladesh, the treatment of our Hindu brothers and sisters, and others, is simply wrong,” Kaneria said. “Our religion promotes love, not violence. Individuals were merely trying to earn a living and were unjustly attacked. The shocking occurrences were deeply saddening. It truly weighs on your heart—what is happening?”

He cautioned that Bangladesh's rigid position could have long-lasting repercussions, jeopardizing the future of their cricket.

“I believe this stance will not bode well for Bangladesh in the long run. If they assume that the ICC should accept their demands as final, they are mistaken. In the future, India is unlikely to engage with Bangladesh, resulting in a significant loss for them,” he said.

Supporting the ICC's decision-making, Kaneria stressed that major tournaments cannot be modified at the last moment. "The ICC’s decision is entirely justified; changes cannot be made last minute. The entire tournament framework, schedules, and team logistics must be organized. Altering everything is impractical,” he added.

“Should Bangladesh choose not to participate, it will have little impact; it’s not like they were poised to finish in the top four,” he stated.

As for rumors that Pakistan might follow suit, Kaneria dismissed such claims, asserting that the ICC has contingency plans in place.

“I don't foresee that happening. The nation that withdraws bears the consequences. There are penalties, rules, and regulations in place. If Bangladesh opts out, teams like Scotland can step in. Should Pakistan also refuse, other teams like Namibia, who are playing commendable cricket, may take their place. The ICC and BCCI will remain unaffected.”

Kaneria believes that had Bangladesh participated in the World Cup, it would have paved the way for their players to join the IPL in the future. “If Bangladesh had come to India for the T20 World Cup, it would have dismantled the barriers for players like Mustafizur Rahman, leading to greater Bangladeshi player participation in the league.”

He also noted a concerning shift in cricket discourse, where political discussions have overshadowed game strategies.

“Cricket discussions have deteriorated into political dialogues, whereas previously, conversations revolved around wickets, bowling techniques, and tactics. Now, it’s all politics,” he lamented.

“Technical cricket has lost its appeal. What garners attention? Comparisons between Kohli and Babar, Shaheen Afridi against Bumrah,” he pointed out.

Kaneria called for moderation, urging stakeholders to safeguard the sport and keep politics at bay. “It’s crucial for the future generation that cricket is cherished and promoted. Let cricket exist as cricket; allow politics to remain with politicians and authorities. Keep cricket separate from politics.”

He concluded by emphasizing the necessity for decisions to be guided by long-term visions rather than immediate reactions. “We must take a comprehensive view of the future, not just the present. We await the final decision, though I suspect it has already been determined, as nearly 24 hours have elapsed. What benefits cricket should be prioritized, and as previously mentioned, Scotland would already be preparing to compete.”