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Sri Lanka take on Pakistan by six runs in the T20I Tri-Series. Photo: PCB
DHAKA:
Bangladesh announced on Sunday that they will not play their 20 World Cup matches in India next month and are requesting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move their matches after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was banned from his Indian Premier League (IPL).
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said its directors had decided the national team would not travel to India “under the current conditions”, citing concerns over the safety of Bangladeshi players and staff.
The tournament is scheduled to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul said the dignity and safety of Bangladeshi cricketers will remain the board’s top priority.
Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed on Saturday that Mustafizur had been released from his contract after being “advised” by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the request of the local ruling Bhartya Janata Party (BJP leader).
Som, a Hindutva politician and a former Uttar Pradesh MLA, targeted Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who owns the team, calling him a “gaddar” (traitor) for recruiting Rahman to his team.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that “in view of recent developments”, Kolkata had been “advised to release” the 30-year-old player. Subsequently, Kolkata Knight Riders said that Rahman’s “release has been completed”.
On Saturday, the Bangladesh government had conveyed its concerns to the BCB, which has now formally requested the ICC to shift all Bangladesh’s matches to a venue outside India. Government Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul welcomed the BCB demand.
Bangladesh would not tolerate “any insult” to its cricketers or national dignity, he said, adding that he had instructed the BCB to request that the team’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka, echoing the arrangements already in place for Pakistan to play their matches there.
Nazrul said the release of Mustafizur, despite a valid IPL contract, had raised serious concerns about whether Bangladeshi players could safely participate in India. He also said that he would try to block the IPL from being broadcast in Bangladesh.
The BCB said its decision followed an emergency meeting and consultations with the government. The ICC has yet to respond publicly, although it has previously allowed India to play Champions Trophy matches in the UAE due to strained ties with hosts Pakistan.
Bangladesh had announced their 15-man squad for the World Cup, naming Rahman to lead the pace attack with Taskin Ahmed. Taskin returns after missing the recent series against Ireland, while batsman Jaker Ali was dropped after a slim run of form.
Litton Das will captain the team, with Bangladesh placed in Group C alongside the West Indies, England, Italy and Nepal. They are currently scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai, and begin their campaign on February 7 against the West Indies.
