Basit Ali Blames BCCI for T20 World Cup Controversy Involving Pakistan and Bangladesh

New Delhi | 4 Feb 2026 Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has openly held the BCCI responsible for the ongoing T20 World Cup controversy involving Pakistan, Bangladesh and the ICC. The issue escalated after the Pakistan government announced that its team would not play against India on February 15, a move widely seen as support for Bangladesh, which was dropped from the tournament shortly before it began. The situation began when Bangladesh requested the ICC to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka following the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman by Kolkata Knight Riders. The decision came after a BCCI directive, reportedly linked to “recent developments”. Rahman’s selection by KKR for a big amount had already caused public backlash, especially amid strained relations between India and Bangladesh. Basit Ali said the crisis could have been avoided if the BCCI had acted with patience. “BCCI made one mistake by releasing Mustafizur Rahman early from the IPL. They could have let the matter cool down before making the announcement. If they did that after the World Cup, we wouldn't have been here,” he said. He added that this move led to Bangladesh refusing to travel, which later dragged Pakistan into the situation as well. With Bangladesh replaced by Scotland, the India-Pakistan clash is now in doubt, and India is likely to get two points due to a walkover. Basit warned this would harm the sport, saying, “If Pakistan doesn't play India and the latter earns two points by forfeiture, it will damage cricket and the sport's future.” He, however, felt Pakistan would not face financial trouble, claiming the government would support the PCB if Basit Ali Blames BCCI for T20 World Cup Controversy Involving Pakistan and Bangladesh Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has blamed the BCCI for the growing T20 World Cup controversy involving Pakistan, Bangladesh and the ICC. The issue became serious after Pakistan announced it would not play India on February 15. Though no official reason was given, the decision was widely seen as support for Bangladesh, which was removed from the tournament at the last moment. The problem started when Bangladesh asked the ICC to shift its matches out of India after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders following a BCCI directive. Rahman’s release came after public pressure, as his selection by KKR had triggered criticism due to strained relations between India and Bangladesh at the time. Basit Ali said the situation could have been handled better by the Indian board. “BCCI made one mistake by releasing Mustafizur Rahman early from the IPL. They could have let the matter cool down before making the announcement. If they did that after the World Cup, we wouldn't have been here,” he said. According to him, this single decision pushed Bangladesh to refuse travel and later influenced Pakistan’s stance. With Bangladesh replaced by Scotland, the India-Pakistan match now looks unlikely, which may give India two points without playing. Basit warned that this would hurt the game’s future, saying, “If Pakistan doesn't play India and the latter earns two points by forfeiture, it will damage cricket and the sport's future.” He also added that Pakistan would not face financial loss, as the government would support the PCB if required.