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Sri Lanka beats Pakistan by six runs in the T20I Tri-Series. Photo: PCB
DACA:
Bangladesh announced on Sunday that it will not play its Twenty20 World Cup matches in India next month, asking the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its matches after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was banned from its Indian Premier League (IPL).
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said its directors had decided that the national team would not travel to India “under the current conditions”, citing concerns about the safety of Bangladeshi players and staff.
The tournament is scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul said the dignity and safety of Bangladesh 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) over the local ruling Bhartya Janata Party’s (BJP leader) demand.
Som, a Hindutva politician and former MLA from Uttar Pradesh, targeted Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the team’s owner, and called him a “gaddar” (traitor) for recruiting Rahman into his team.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that “taking into account recent developments”, Kolkata had been “advised to release” the 30-year-old. Later, Kolkata Knight Riders said that Rahman’s “release has taken place”.
On Saturday, the Bangladesh government had conveyed its concerns to the BCB, which has now formally requested the ICC to shift all Bangladesh matches to a venue outside India. Government Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul welcomed the BCB’s demand.
Bangladesh would not tolerate “any insult” to its cricketers or its national dignity, he said, adding that he had directed the BCB to request that the team’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka, echoing arrangements already in place for Pakistan to play its matches there.
Nazrul said Mustafizur’s release, despite having a valid IPL contract, had raised serious concerns about whether Bangladesh players could safely participate in India. He also said he would seek to prevent the IPL from being broadcast in Bangladesh.
The BCB said its decision came after an emergency meeting and consultations with the government. The ICC is yet to respond publicly, although it previously allowed India to play Champions Trophy matches in the United Arab Emirates due to strained ties with hosts Pakistan.
Bangladesh had announced their 15-man squad for the World Cup, naming Rahman to lead the attack along with Taskin Ahmed. Taskin returns after missing the recent series against Ireland, while batsman Jaker Ali was dropped after a poor spell.
Litton Das will captain the team, with Bangladesh placed in Group C along with the 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.
