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Sri Lanka trail Pakistan by six runs in the T20I Tri-Series. Photo: PCB
DAKAR:
Bangladesh announced on Sunday that they will not play their Twenty20 World Cup matches in India next month, asking the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move their matches after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was expelled from their Indian Premier League (IPL).
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said its directors had decided that the national team would not travel to India “under the current conditions”, citing concerns over the safety and security of Bangladeshi players and staff.
The tournament is scheduled to be co-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 would remain the top priority of the board.
Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed on Saturday that Mustafizur had been released from his contract after being “informed” by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the request of local Bhartya Janata Party (BJP leader).
Som, a Hindutva politician and former Uttar Pradesh MP, targeted Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, owner of the team, and called him a “gaddar” (traitor) for enlisting Rahman in his team.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that “in view of recent developments”, Kolkata had been “prompted to release” the 30-year-old. Subsequently, Kolkata Knight Riders declared that “Rahman’s release has been effected”.
On Saturday, the Bangladesh government raised its concerns with the BCB, which has now formally requested the ICC to move all Bangladesh matches to a venue outside India. Government advisor on youth and sports Asif Nazrul welcomed the BCB’s request.
Bangladesh would not tolerate “any insult” to its cricketers or its national dignity, he said, adding that he had asked the BCB to request that the team’s World Cup fixtures be held in Sri Lanka, echoing arrangements already in place for Pakistan to play its matches there.
Nazrul said Mustafizur’s release, despite having a valid IPL contract, had raised serious concerns over whether Bangladeshi players would be able to participate safely in India. He also said he would seek to prevent the IPL from being broadcast in Bangladesh.
The BCB said its decision followed an emergency meeting and consultations with the government. The ICC is yet to respond publicly, although it had previously allowed India to play Champions Trophy matches in the UAE due to strained relations with hosts Pakistan.
Bangladesh had announced their 15-man squad for the World Cup, naming Rahman to lead the attack along with Taskin Ahmed. Taskin returns after missing the recent series against Ireland, while striker Jaker Ali was dropped after a poor run of form.
Litton Das will captain the team, with Bangladesh placed in Group C alongside West Indies, England, Italy and Nepal. They are currently scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai, starting their campaign on February 7 against the West Indies.
