'There Were Guns Outside Our Rooms': Litton Das Says If Bangladesh Can Play In Pakistan, It Can Play In India

Bangladesh T20 captain Litton Das has revealed that players were willing to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 in India, but the final decision to stay away from the tournament was taken by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). In a candid interview, Das recalled discussions with board officials and drew a striking comparison between security arrangements in Pakistan and concerns raised over travelling to India.

Litton Das Reveals Players Wanted To Play In India

The controversy surrounding Bangladesh's withdrawal from the T20 World Cup 2026 became one of the biggest talking points in the build-up to the tournament. The BCB cited security concerns as the primary reason for not sending the team to India, despite repeated assurances from both the ICC and the BCCI.

As a result, Bangladesh did not participate in the competition, with Scotland stepping in as their replacement.

Speaking about the discussions held with top BCB officials, Litton Das said the players had no intention of getting involved in any dispute and simply wanted the opportunity to compete on the world stage.

"We went there to participate (in a meeting with top BCB officials), to have tea. Our mindset was to have tea in an AC room. We were asked what we wanted. As players, what would we want? We don't want to fight. We would obviously want to play. They told us there was no safety in that country (India). We told them, we have played in Pakistan too. They used to stand outside the room with guns. What can be more dangerous than that? If we can play in Pakistan, why not India," Litton Das told Prothom Alo.

Bangladesh Captain Compares India Concerns With Pakistan Experience

Das's comments have reignited debate over the BCB's decision to skip the global event. The Bangladesh skipper suggested that players had previously experienced far stricter security environments during tours of Pakistan and did not view travel to India as a major concern.

His remarks provide one of the clearest indications yet that the squad's views differed from the board's stance during the controversy.

The statement is particularly significant because Das had largely avoided taking a public position when the issue first surfaced earlier this year.

Litton Had Remained Silent During Initial Controversy

Back in January, when uncertainty over Bangladesh's participation dominated headlines, Das declined to offer a direct opinion on the matter.

"Are you sure we are going to play the World Cup? From my side, I am uncertain; everyone is uncertain. I think the whole of Bangladesh is uncertain at this moment. No answer. I understand what question you are going to ask. That is not safe for me. No answer," said Litton.

His latest comments contrast sharply with that cautious approach and offer fresh insight into how Bangladesh's players viewed the situation behind closed doors.

A Career Marked By Big Performances

Litton Das made his Test debut against India in 2015 before making his T20I debut later that year against South Africa. Initially selected as a specialist batter, he later took over wicketkeeping duties in 2017 while Mushfiqur Rahim continued solely as a batter.

Among the standout moments of his international career was his brilliant century against India in the 2018 Asia Cup final. Despite Bangladesh finishing on the losing side, Das earned the Man of the Match award for his performance.

Another milestone came in March 2020 when he smashed 176 runs from 143 balls against Zimbabwe, setting the record for the highest individual ODI score by a Bangladesh batter.

With his recent remarks, Das has once again brought attention to one of cricket's most debated decisions, revealing that many within the dressing room had hoped Bangladesh would take part in the T20 World Cup rather than withdraw from the tournament.