Former India World Cup winner gives Two-Word reply to Bangladesh's Removal from T20 World Cup

Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has voiced strong support for the International Cricket Council's (ICC) bold decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup 2026, calling it a "very good" move amid escalating diplomatic tensions.

The 1983 World Cup winner did not mince words in praising the ICC's swift action. "Very good...," Madan Lal told ANI, underscoring his approval of the replacement.

He further elaborated that "Bangladesh has made a very big mistake" by opting out of playing in India, a stance that highlights his belief in the folly of their withdrawal.

The controversy stems from the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) refusal to field its team in India, citing security concerns, a decision reached after failed negotiations and an ICC ultimatum. In response, the ICC has promptly elevated Scotland, a higher-ranked Associate nation, to fill the vacancy in Group C. This shift means Scotland will now contest high-stakes matches originally slated for Bangladesh at key venues like Kolkata and Mumbai, ensuring the tournament's schedule in India and Sri Lanka proceeds seamlessly.

Lal's endorsement builds on his prior comments, where he labeled Bangladesh's boycott as self-damaging and even hinted at external influences like Pakistan in their decision-making. "Loss will be theirs," he had remarked earlier, emphasizing that India offers one of the safest environments for international cricket.

Pakistan to follow Bangladesh's path in T20 World Cup?

Amid Bangladesh's fate sealed, Pakistan's participation in the T20 World Cup remains uncertain following PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's recent statements, amid solidarity calls with Bangladesh after their exclusion. The PCB has been vocal in Bangladesh's support, and Naqvi has hinted that they may follow the same path if their government orders so.

"Whether we play in the T20 World Cup or not, the decision will be taken by the government," Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. He noted that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is abroad, adding, "When he comes back, we will take advice from him."