Bangladesh’s cricket community was taken aback by recent statements made by Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul, suggesting that the decision for the country to skip the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka was attributed to the cricket board and players.
Nazrul expressed no remorse during a press briefing, asserting that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials and players willingly opted out of the prestigious T20 event in the interest of national safety. He commended their sacrifice, emphasizing their role in safeguarding Bangladesh’s reputation.
This stance contradicted his previous remarks on January 22, where he had indicated that the government’s concerns about security were the primary reason for withdrawing from the World Cup. Following a meeting with players on the matter, many expressed frustration as the decision seemed predetermined, leaving them with no say in the outcome.
Players, still reeling from the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup, struggled to comprehend Nazrul’s latest comments, with some labeling them as “funny” and expressing a sense of helplessness.
Within the cricket board, some directors were also surprised by Nazrul’s statements, noting the inconsistency in his messaging. While acknowledging the government’s pivotal role in the decision-making process, a BCB official stressed that neither the board nor the players bore sole responsibility.
Amid public backlash online, Nazrul issued a clarification later in the day, attributing the confusion to his failure to articulate the situation clearly. He reiterated that the government’s decision, based on security concerns, was the driving force behind Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the World Cup, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the BCB and players in the interest of public safety and national pride.