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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan<\/a> did not hold back as he labelled his country\u2019s absence from the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup a \u201cblunder\u201d, calling it a massive setback for a cricket-loving nation.Speaking on the sidelines of the EU T20 Belgium 2026 jersey launch in Mumbai on Wednesday, the veteran all-rounder delivered a blunt verdict on the controversial decision.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. <\/span>SUBSCRIBE NOW!<\/a>Reflecting on Bangladesh missing the global event, Shakib said: \u201cI think that\u2019s a big loss. A great miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned because we as a country love watching our players play World Cups.\u201dHe added, \u201cWe are a cricket-loving country and a country like Bangladesh not participating in the World Cup was a big miss. I think it\u2019s a blunder from the (caretaker) government that they took the decision not to participate in that World Cup.\u201dHis remarks come after the International Cricket Council stood firm on Bangladesh\u2019s refusal to travel to India, eventually replacing them with Scotland to preserve the tournament schedule.On his own future and the possibility of a farewell appearance, Shakib struck a hopeful tone. \u201cWe\u2019ll see that later. But I think things will start getting better sooner or later with time. I\u2019m hopeful that I can get what I want,\u201d he said.No regrets over <\/span>IPL<\/span>, praise for young talent<\/span>The veteran also addressed his absence from the Indian Premier League, admitting the game has moved on.\u201cI have played enough. The younger generation has come in and they are performing really well. It\u2019s difficult for me now with the competitiveness, but I\u2019m not missing it. I enjoy watching it,\u201d he said.Shakib was particularly impressed with India\u2019s talent pipeline, highlighting how the IPL continues to produce stars. \u201cThere are a lot of young players coming in\u2026 the pipeline in Indian cricket is such that it can go on for the next 50 years,\u201d he noted, while cautioning that an IPL-heavy focus might impact Test cricket.\u2018Team over individuals\u2019 for Bangladesh<\/span>Looking at Bangladesh\u2019s future, Shakib emphasised a shift from individual brilliance to collective strength.\u201cPreviously it used to be individuals, now it\u2019s more about the team and that\u2019s the better way forward,\u201d he said, expressing confidence in the emerging generation.<\/div>\n