Bangladesh’s cricket community was taken aback by recent statements made by Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul, which seemed to shift blame onto the board and players for the country’s decision to opt-out of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Nazrul, speaking at a press conference, stated that there was no remorse over Bangladesh’s absence from the T20 event and attributed the decision to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials and players, describing it as a “sacrifice” made for the safety of the country and its people. This stance contradicted his earlier statement on January 22, where he had emphasized that the government’s concerns about security led to the decision not to participate in the World Cup.
Players, who were disappointed about missing out on the World Cup, were perplexed by Nazrul’s remarks. Some expressed their frustration anonymously, highlighting their lack of involvement in the decision-making process and feeling helpless.
In response to Nazrul’s comments, some BCB directors also expressed surprise, with one director mentioning the previous assurance by Nazrul that the team would not participate in the World Cup. Another official clarified that the decision was not within the purview of the board or players, dismissing any attempt to shift responsibility.
Despite facing criticism on social media, Nazrul later issued a clarification, acknowledging that his earlier statements may have caused confusion and reiterating that the government was responsible for the decision not to participate in the World Cup due to security concerns. He emphasized the sacrifices made by the BCB and players in prioritizing safety and national dignity.
