New Delhi: Bangladesh’s absence from the T20 World Cup has taken a contentious turn after the country’s sports advisor, Asif Nazrul, attributed the decision to the cricket board and players, prompting strong disappointment within the squad.
Bangladesh were removed from the tournament by the International Cricket Council after declining to travel to India. Initially, it was widely believed that the government had made the decision on security grounds. However, Nazrul recently stated that the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the cricketers themselves were reluctant to participate, suggesting they had chosen to step aside in the interest of national safety.
The remarks have unsettled several players, who maintain they were never consulted about any withdrawal and had been prepared to travel for the global event. Reports indicate that members of the squad were fully aware of the significance of the World Cup and the financial and professional consequences of missing it.
Some players, speaking anonymously, expressed disbelief over the shifting narrative. One described the situation as ironic, while another conveyed a sense of helplessness, insisting that the team had no role in the decision and received no support during the process. The sentiment within the camp suggests frustration over being publicly linked to a call they claim was beyond their control.
The issue carries broader implications for Bangladesh cricket, particularly given the financial importance of ICC tournaments to the board’s revenue structure. Observers note that the players’ perspective may not have been adequately considered during deliberations.
Following the backlash, Nazrul reiterated that the decision not to participate had been based on security concerns and had previously been described as a government call. The conflicting statements have, however, left uncertainty lingering over how the final decision was reached and who ultimately bears responsibility.
