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Sri Lanka edge Pakistan by six runs in T20I Tri-Series. Photo: PCB
DHAKA:
Bangladesh announced on Sunday they will not play their Twenty20 World Cup matches in India next month, asking the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their fixtures after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was expelled from his Indian Premier League (IPL).
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said that its directors had resolved 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 security of Bangladeshi cricketers would remain the board’s top priority.
Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed on Saturday that Mustafizur had been released from his contract after being “advised” by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the demand of the local ruling Bhartya Janata Party (BJP leader.
Som, a Hindutva politician and a former Uttar Pradesh MLA, targeted Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who owns the team, and called him a “gaddar” (traitor) for enlisting Rahman into his team.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said that “considering recent developments”, Kolkata had been “advised to release” the 30-year-old player. Subsequently, Kolkata Knight Riders said that Rahman’s “release has been carried out”.
On Saturday, the Bangladesh government had conveyed its concerns to the BCB, which has now formally requested the ICC move all of Bangladesh’s matches to a venue outside India. Government’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul welcomed the BCB demand.
Bangladesh would not tolerate “any insult” to its cricketers or national dignity, he said, adding that he had instructed the BCB to request that the team’s World Cup fixtures be staged in Sri Lanka, echoing arrangements already in place for Pakistan to play their matches there.
Nazrul said the release of Mustafizur, despite a valid IPL contract, had raised serious concerns about whether Bangladeshi players could safely participate in India. He also said he would seek to block the IPL from being broadcast in Bangladesh.
The BCB said its decision followed an emergency meeting and consultations with the government. The ICC has not yet publicly responded, although it previously allowed India to play Champions Trophy matches in the UAE due to strained ties with hosts Pakistan.
Bangladesh had announced their 15-man squad for the World Cup, naming Rahman to lead the pace attack with Taskin Ahmed. Taskin returns after missing the recent series against Ireland, while batter Jaker Ali was dropped following a lean run of form.
Litton Das will captain the side, 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, beginning their campaign on February 7 against the West Indies.
