Bangladesh government's sports advisor rejects T20 WC games in India
What's the story
Bangladesh has officially refused to play the ICC T20 World Cup in India, Asif Nazrul, the sports advisor for the Bangladesh government, said on Monday. The announcement comes after Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram were considered as potential venues for Bangladesh's World Cup matches. This came after a dispute between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Venue alternatives
Nazrul's stance on alternative venues
Nazrul clarified that Bangladesh is open to playing the World Cup at any venue other than India. "I already said India means India. We are talking about India; we did not say Kolkata. So our position is, if you change it from Kolkata and give another venue - Sri Lanka can be given, no problem," Nazrul told reporters at the Bangladesh Football Federation on Monday. "I saw in the newspapers, I do not know whether it is true or false, that Pakistan has offered to host our tournaments. Hold it in Pakistan, no problem. Hold it in the United Arab Emirates, no problem," he said.
Security concerns
ICC security assessment report raises concerns
Nazrul also cited an ICC security assessment report that highlighted potential problems if Mustafizur Rahman is included in the squad. He said, "Surely you have come here to know about cricket-related news. In terms of cricket, we have no development." The advisor further claimed that the report indicated a higher security risk for the Bangladesh team if their supporters wear national jerseys while traveling.
ICC expectations
Nazrul questions ICC's expectations
Nazrul questioned the ICC's expectations from Bangladesh, saying, "If the ICC expects that we will form a cricket team by excluding our best bowler...then there cannot be any expectation more bizarre, unrealistic, or unreasonable than this." He also stressed that considering the current communal situation in India and anti-Bangladesh environment there, it has become impossible for Bangladesh to play cricket in India.
Global perspective
Nazrul emphasizes on cricket's global nature
Nazrul emphasized that no one should have a monopoly over playing cricket. He said, "The fate of an entire sport or a tournament cannot be determined on the basis of market management." He also stressed that if ICC truly wants to be a global organization, then they must allow Bangladesh to play in T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.