Bangladesh T20 captain Litton Das has offered a rare insight into the events that led to his country's withdrawal from the T20 World Cup 2026, revealing that players were keen to participate despite concerns raised by officials about safety in India. His comments have brought fresh attention to one of the tournament's most discussed controversies. According to Das, Bangladesh players met senior officials of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) before the final decision was made. During those discussions, players reportedly expressed a desire to compete in the global event rather than stay away. However, the board maintained that security concerns surrounding travel to India made participation difficult. Das said the players did not want to be involved in any conflict and were primarily focused on playing cricket. He suggested that the squad's preference was to take part in the tournament and leave administrative decisions to officials. The Bangladesh captain also drew comparisons with previous tours of Pakistan, where heightened security arrangements were common. Recalling those experiences, he noted that armed security personnel were frequently stationed outside team accommodation, questioning why playing in India was being viewed differently. His remarks have become a talking point because they contrast with the position publicly maintained by Bangladesh cricket administrators during the lead-up to the tournament. The controversy began months before the T20 World Cup when uncertainty surrounded Bangladesh's participation. Despite assurances from tournament organizers and cricket authorities, concerns persisted within sections of the BCB. Eventually, Bangladesh did not take part in the event and were replaced by Scotland in the competition. The episode sparked widespread discussion across the cricketing world, with fans and analysts debating the balance between security considerations and sporting commitments. While administrators emphasized safety, many observers questioned whether cricket should be affected by broader political and diplomatic tensions. Das's comments are significant because they provide a player's perspective on a decision that was largely discussed at the administrative level. His statement indicates that at least some members of the playing group were prepared to travel and compete despite the concerns being raised. The issue also highlights the growing challenges international cricket faces when geopolitical factors intersect with major sporting events. Cricket boards are increasingly required to weigh security assessments, diplomatic realities and competitive interests before making participation decisions. Although the T20 World Cup has moved on, discussions surrounding Bangladesh's absence continue. Das's remarks are likely to fuel further debate about how such decisions are made and the extent to which players should have a voice in matters that directly affect their careers and international opportunities. (NDTV Sports)