File image: Shakib Al Hasan (ICC Photo) NEW DELHI: Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan did not hold back when he termed his country’s absence from the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup as a “mistake” and termed it a massive setback for the cricket-loving nation.On the sidelines of a promotional event in Mumbai on Wednesday, the veteran all-rounder delivered his verdict on the controversial decision.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!Reflecting on Bangladesh missing out on the global action, Shakib said, “I think it’s a big loss. A big miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned because as a country we love to watch our players play in the World Cup.”He added: “We are a cricket-loving country and for a country like Bangladesh not to participate in the World Cup was a big mistake. I think it’s a mistake on the part of the (caretaker) government to decide not to participate in this World Cup.”His remarks come after the International Cricket Council stood firm on Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India and eventually replaced them with Scotland to preserve the tournament schedule.Shakib struck a hopeful note about his own future and the possibility of a farewell performance. “We’ll see later. But I think sooner or later it will start to improve with time. I hope I can achieve what I want,” he said.No regrets IPLpraise for young talentsThe veteran also addressed his absence from the Indian Premier League and admitted that the game has shifted.“I’ve played enough. The younger generation has come in and they’re performing really well. It’s hard for me now with the competitiveness, but I don’t miss it. I enjoy watching it,” he said.Shakib was particularly impressed with the Indian talent, highlighting how the IPL continues to produce stars. “There are a lot of young players coming in… the development in Indian cricket is such that it can go on for another 50 years,” he noted, warning that the focus on the IPL could have an impact on Test cricket.“Team over individual” for BangladeshLooking at Bangladesh’s future, Shakib emphasized the shift from individual brilliance to collective strength.“Before it was individuals, now it’s more about the team and that’s the better way forward,” he said, expressing confidence in the upcoming generation.
