After weeks of speculation and debate, Bangladesh has decided not to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India.
The decision was confirmed on Thursday by Youth and Sports Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul following a meeting with the players named in the World Cup squad.
Speaking after the meeting, Nazrul said the decision was made by the government due to concerns over the players’ safety. “The government has considered all factors and informed the players about the reasons why Bangladesh will not travel to India for the World Cup,” he said.
He emphasized that the decision was entirely based on safety concerns. “It is the responsibility of the government to assess whether citizens face security risks when traveling abroad. No one else has the authority to make this assessment,” he said.
Addressing concerns about potential losses to Bangladesh cricket from skipping the tournament, Nazrul said the risks of sending players, spectators, and journalists into a potentially unsafe environment in India outweigh the benefits. “It is crucial to consider the political situation in the region and the potential consequences of exposing our people to security threats,” he added.
Nazrul also expressed hope that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would show fairness and take Bangladesh’s security concerns into account, possibly allowing the team to participate in the tournament from a neutral venue such as Sri Lanka. “Bangladesh has the right to play in the World Cup, and we are hopeful that this will be recognized,” he said.
Regarding the meeting with the players, he said the discussions were private and that he would not disclose the players’ opinions. “The purpose was to explain why the government made this decision. I believe they have understood the reasoning,” he added.
