Bangladesh T20 World Cup Exit: Probe Puts Blame on Interim Government
DHAKA, Sept 15 — Bangladesh’s interim government was responsible for the country’s decision not to participate in this year’s men’s T20 World Cup, a government-appointed probe committee said on Tuesday.
Barrister Faisal Dastagir, a member of the three-person committee, said the investigation found that then government adviser Asif Nazrul was responsible for the decision.
“Based on media reports and after talking to experts, we came to the conclusion that the person responsible was Dr Asif Nazrul, who was in the government at the time, and that the government was responsible,” Dastagir told reporters at the National Sports Council.
The National Sports Council formed the committee on May 10 to investigate Bangladesh’s absence from the tournament, which was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from Feb. 7 to March 8.
In its 22-page report, the committee said political tensions between India and Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council’s refusal to shift the venue and government intervention had a “very high” impact on Bangladesh’s non-participation.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s failure in negotiations was assessed as having a “high” impact, while a breakdown in communication was rated as having a “medium” impact.
“Bangladesh should have gone and participated in the tournament,” Dastagir said.
The report recommended keeping cricket separate from political disputes, strengthening the independence of the BCB, improving crisis communication, prioritizing players’ welfare and security and establishing a national sports diplomacy framework.
The committee was headed by A.K.M. Oli Ullah, an additional secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar and Supreme Court lawyer and sports organiser Dastagir were the other members.
The BCB had earlier decided against sending the team to India, citing security concerns and directives from the interim government. Bangladesh was subsequently replaced by Scotland in the 20-team tournament.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque announced in March that an investigation would be conducted into the circumstances surrounding Bangladesh’s withdrawal.
The controversy followed a dispute that began on Jan. 3, when Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Despite further discussions, the ICC and BCB failed to reach an agreement on the venue, resulting in Bangladesh’s absence from the tournament.
