Should BCB Request to Move Bangladesh’s T20 WC Matches to Sri Lanka?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Concern over player safety has led to requests for relocation of matches.
- Mustafizur Rahman’s release from IPL highlights the tensions surrounding the tournament.
- Bangladesh's cricket board is taking proactive measures to ensure player welfare.
- The request has implications for international cricket relations.
- Broadcasting of IPL in Bangladesh may face suspension.
New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events following the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League, the Bangladeshi sports ministry has directed the national cricket board to formally request that the T20 World Cup league matches be relocated from India to Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh is set to compete in T20 World Cup fixtures against the West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and against Nepal on February 17 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Rahman, who became the highest-paid Bangladeshi player ever after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired him for Rs 9.20 crore during last month’s mini-auction, has now been released from their IPL squad due to directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
This decision comes amid considerable controversy surrounding the player's involvement in the lucrative event. Following demands from certain groups regarding the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, the BCCI has barred Mustafizur from playing in India. Asif Nazrul, an advisor to the Bangladeshi government, voiced concerns regarding the safety of Bangladeshi players in India and subsequently requested a venue change.
"I have instructed the Cricket Control Board to present a formal explanation of this situation to the ICC. The Board must clarify that if a Bangladeshi cricketer, despite being under contract, cannot play in India, then the safety of the entire national team traveling there for the World Cup is questionable," Nazrul stated in a Facebook post.
Additionally, Nazrul has urged the advisor for information and broadcasting to halt the transmission of IPL matches in Bangladesh. "I have also instructed the Adviser for Information and Broadcasting to suspend IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh. We will not tolerate any disrespect toward Bangladeshi cricket or its players," he added.