Madan Lal Accuses Mohsin Naqvi For ‘Instigating’ Bangladesh Into Skipping T20 World Cup

In a major escalating crisis ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has accused Mohsin Naqvi and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of “instigating” Bangladesh to boycott the tournament.

The standoff reached a breaking point on January 22, 2026, when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially reaffirmed its refusal to travel to India for the world event starting on February 7.

The Accusation: “Political Manipulation”

Madan Lal, a 1983 World Cup winner, did not hold back in his assessment of the situation:

• Instigation Claims: Lal alleged that Pakistan is actively encouraging Bangladesh’s defiance to “bring India down” and create a rift in Asian cricket.
• Economic Blow: He labeled the BCB’s decision “foolish,” noting that India loses nothing while Bangladesh faces massive commercial and developmental setbacks by skipping a global event.
• Security Context: Lal dismissed the security concerns for Kolkata and Mumbai (where Bangladesh’s matches are scheduled), calling them some of the “safest places in India.”

The Standoff: BCB vs. ICC

Despite an ICC ultimatum that expired on Thursday, the Bangladesh government and the BCB have remained defiant.

• The “Mustafizur” Trigger: The tension dates back to early January 2026, when pacer Mustafizur Rahman was reportedly asked to leave the IPL by Indian authorities citing “developments all around.” Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, stated: “If the Indian board cannot ensure the safety of even one player, how can they guarantee the security of our entire team?”
• The Vote: In a crucial ICC Board meeting, 14 out of 16 nations voted against shifting Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka. Only Pakistan and Bangladesh voted in favor.
• The PCB’s Role: Reports suggest Mohsin Naqvi’s PCB even offered to host Bangladesh’s matches in Pakistan if the ICC refused to move them to Sri Lanka, a move seen by Indian analysts as fueling the fire.

What Happens Next?

• Replacement Team: The ICC has already prepared to replace Bangladesh with Scotland (the highest-ranked non-qualifier) to maintain the tournament schedule.
• Sanctions: A full boycott of an ICC event could lead to severe financial penalties and a potential suspension of the BCB’s membership.
• Last-Ditch Efforts: BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul stated they will continue to communicate with the ICC, but as of today, January 23, the team remains grounded in Dhaka.