SPORTS DESK: Bangladesh’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Asif Nazrul, has thanked Pakistan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for expressing solidarity with Bangladesh following its withdrawal from the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

In a statement shared on social media, Nazrul praised Pakistan’s reported decision to avoid playing a scheduled match against India, calling it a demonstration of neutrality, moral courage, and principled sportsmanship. He said the move encouraged Bangladesh and highlighted the importance of fairness and equality in international sports.

According to Nazrul, Pakistan’s prime minister emphasized during a cabinet meeting that politics should not interfere in sports. He described Pakistan’s stance as consistent with the true spirit of cricket and worthy of global recognition.

Bangladesh announced its withdrawal from the tournament on Jan. 22, citing security concerns and dissatisfaction with tournament administration. Officials said they were not provided adequate assurances regarding safety and alleged unequal treatment by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Following Bangladesh’s exit, Scotland was added to the tournament and placed in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal. Scotland is scheduled to play its opening match against West Indies on Feb. 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.