Govt clarifies position on ICC tournament participation
Bangladesh has not withdrawn from the upcoming ICC tournament nor rejected participation in the T20 World Cup; rather, it has requested an alternative or neutral venue to ensure the safety of players and spectators, government officials clarified on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Economic Affairs Committee at the Secretariat, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan firmly dismissed claims suggesting Bangladesh was unwilling to play.
“The government has never said that we will not play,” Khan stated. “We have clearly stated that we are interested in participating in the World Cup. What we have asked for is an alternative venue.”
A Request Rooted in Safety Concerns
According to Khan, the government’s stance is driven by growing security concerns linked to political developments in the host country. He emphasised that Bangladesh’s demand is neither unreasonable nor unprecedented in global cricket.
In recent years, the intersection of politics and international sports has repeatedly raised alarms about player safety and public security—something Bangladesh is unwilling to ignore.
“In that context, the government considered the safety of our players and the security of spectators, and that is why this decision was taken,” Khan explained.
Neutral Venues Are Not New in International Cricket
Khan reminded the media that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has historically used neutral venues when participating nations faced security or political issues.
He cited a well-known example:
“India did not play in Pakistan for many years and played matches in different countries. So, providing an alternative venue is nothing unusual.”
This clarification directly challenges criticism that Bangladesh has made an unexpected demand or is attempting to disrupt the tournament schedule.
“Not Absurd, Not Innovative”—Govt Rejects Criticism
The adviser was particularly vocal about the narrative that Bangladesh’s request is extraordinary.
“This was not something absurd or an innovation coming out of nowhere,” he said. “It is a practice that already exists in international cricket.”
He further stressed that Bangladesh has not issued any ultimatum or extreme condition but merely sought an arrangement that protects national interests and athletic security.
The Mustafizur Incident Raises Alarming Questions
One of the most striking points in Khan’s remarks was his reference to past incidents where politics reportedly influenced team participation—specifically mentioning Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman.
“You know why Mustafiz was excluded. Certain political groups, including the BJP and Shiv Sena, demanded that he be dropped,” Khan said.
The mention of this episode suggests a deeper concern: whether Bangladeshi players could become targets of political rhetoric or public agitation, affecting both safety and fair competition.
Policy-Based Stand, Not Political
To counter speculation, Khan insisted the government’s approach is not aimed at political retaliation or diplomatic signalling.
“This is a policy-based stand, not a political one.”
He reiterated that Bangladesh’s priority is ensuring that national athletes compete in safe conditions abroad, free from external threats or politically motivated hostility.
Hope for ICC Intervention
The adviser expressed optimism that the ICC would treat Bangladesh’s concerns seriously and address them using established precedent and international practice.
Bangladesh, he said, remains ready to participate—provided appropriate measures are taken.
Khan expressed hope that the ICC would facilitate arrangements that allow the team to compete without compromising security.
