Cricket diplomacy just got messy—and former Indian star Harbhajan Singh isn’t holding back.
In a fiery statement that’s reigniting tensions across the subcontinent, Harbhajan slammed Pakistan for what he called “fishing in muddy waters” amid the ongoing Bangladesh T20 WC row. The controversy stems from Bangladesh’s potential exclusion from the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to governance issues within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). While Dhaka scrambles for a resolution, Pakistan’s public support for Bangladesh has drawn sharp criticism—not for its intent, but for its timing and motive.
“This isn’t solidarity—it’s opportunism,” Harbhajan said in a recent interview. “When you’re trying to create a ‘2 vs 1’ narrative between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, you’re not helping cricket. You’re hurting the very players who’ve trained their whole lives for this moment.”
Table of Contents
- What Is the Bangladesh T20 WC Row?
- Harbhajan’s Scathing Take on Pakistan’s Role
- Why Did Pakistan Intervene?
- Is BCB Letting Ego Block a Solution?
- Who Really Pays the Price? The Players.
- What’s the ICC’s Official Position?
- Conclusion: Cricket Needs Unity, Not Geopolitics
- Sources
What Is the Bangladesh T20 WC Row?
The Bangladesh T20 WC row erupted in early January 2026 when the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a formal warning to the BCB over alleged government interference in its internal elections—a clear violation of ICC’s membership criteria requiring autonomous governance .
If unresolved by February 2026, Bangladesh risks being barred from the T20 World Cup, despite having qualified on merit. This would mark the first time a Full Member nation is excluded from a global event due to administrative failures, not performance.
Harbhajan’s Scathing Take on Pakistan’s Role
Enter Pakistan. Last week, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a public statement urging the ICC to “show leniency” toward Bangladesh, framing the issue as one of “South Asian unity.” On the surface, it sounds noble. But Harbhajan sees it differently.
“Pakistan is fishing in muddy waters,” he declared. “They know Bangladesh is vulnerable. By jumping in now, they’re trying to paint India as the villain in a story where India hasn’t even spoken.”
His point? India has remained silent on the matter, focusing instead on its own preparations. Yet Pakistan’s intervention—widely shared on social media with anti-India hashtags—has turned a governance issue into a regional blame game.
Why Did Pakistan Intervene?
Analysts suggest Pakistan’s move serves multiple purposes:
- Diplomatic Posturing: Positioning itself as a champion of smaller nations in international forums.
- Distraction Tactic: Shifting attention from its own domestic cricket turmoil, including player strikes and financial instability.
- Strategic Alliance: Strengthening ties with Bangladesh ahead of future bilateral series and voting blocs within the ICC.
But as Harbhajan argues, such maneuvering does little to solve the actual problem—and may even delay a resolution by politicizing it.
Is BCB Letting Ego Block a Solution?
Harbhajan didn’t spare the BCB either. He suggested that the board’s leadership is “letting ego override common sense,” refusing to compromise with the government or the ICC to fast-track reforms.
“The players are innocent,” he emphasized. “They’ve earned their spot. But if the BCB won’t swallow its pride and fix the paperwork, an entire generation could miss their World Cup dream.”
Reports indicate that a simple restructuring of the BCB election committee—removing government-appointed members—could satisfy the ICC. Yet talks remain stalled, with both sides digging in .
Who Really Pays the Price? The Players.
While boards and politicians spar, the human cost is mounting:
- Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has called the situation “heartbreaking.”
- Youngsters like Tanzid Hasan and Rishad Hossain face their first—and possibly last—World Cup opportunity slipping away.
- Team morale is reportedly at an all-time low, with training camps operating under a cloud of uncertainty.
As one anonymous BCB insider told ESPNcricinfo: “We’re not fighting for power. We’re fighting for our kids’ futures.”
What’s the ICC’s Official Position?
The ICC has maintained a firm but fair stance. In a statement, it clarified that the issue is “not about punishment, but principle.”
“All 12 Full Members must adhere to the same constitutional standards. No exceptions,” said an ICC spokesperson .
The body has offered technical assistance to help the BCB restructure, but insists that compliance must be demonstrated before the February deadline. For more on ICC governance rules, see [INTERNAL_LINK:icc-membership-criteria-explained].
Conclusion: Cricket Needs Unity, Not Geopolitics
Harbhajan Singh’s outburst is a wake-up call. The Bangladesh T20 WC row isn’t a stage for regional rivalries—it’s a test of whether cricket’s governing bodies can put players first. Pakistan’s well-intentioned but poorly timed intervention, coupled with the BCB’s stubbornness, risks turning a solvable crisis into a historic injustice. As the clock ticks down, one thing is clear: the only side that should be “fishing” is the one trying to pull Bangladesh’s team out of these troubled waters.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘Fishing in muddy waters’: Harbhajan slams Pakistan over Bangladesh T20 WC row
- ESPNcricinfo: Bangladesh’s ICC Dispute: What You Need to Know
- ICC Official Website: ICC Statement on Bangladesh Cricket Board
- Cricbuzz: Shakib Al Hasan Emotional Over T20 WC Uncertainty