The India-Bangladesh dispute may finally end after the newly elected government tries to resolve the issues as soon as possible. Meanwhile, former Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief executive officer (CEO) and former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) general secretary Syed Ashraful Haq has shared his views on the rift in an exclusive interview with RevSportz.
On the Season 6 show of Backstage with Boria, former ACC CEO Ashraful Haq highlighted the importance for the newly elected government of Bangladesh and the Sports Minister to understand the value of maintaining a solid relationship with the Indian Cricket Board to ensure similar relationships with other national boards around the world.
Former BCB chief believes Bangladesh had to bear the brunt of India-Pakistan dispute
Boria Majumdar asked Ashraful Haq whether Pakistan played a role in instigating Bangladesh’s decision. Ashraful Haq said, “Possibly, although I prefer not to discuss politics. As a cricket administrator, I focus on honesty and commitment. Aminul Islam, possibly being inexperienced, was influenced by the current ACC Chairman Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, who persuaded him to go along. At the end of the day, who won?”
Boria Majumdar further asked, did Bangladesh lose the most during the India vs Pakistan controversy and miss the T20 World Cup? Ashraful Haq responded, “Indeed. This is regrettable and shows immaturity. At that time, the government was riding a wave of anti-India sentiment.”
“Nevertheless, there is no reason to oppose India other than the issue of harboring a criminal, as has been claimed. Otherwise, Bangladesh needed the support of Indian cricket administrators. In the Jagmohan Dalmiya era, we had respect and a strong position; now we risk becoming a laughing stock because of the actions of a few individuals and the government.”
‘It is important to maintain strong relations with Indian cricket’- Ashraful Haq
When asked that ‘India is the financial center of cricket, followed by Australia and England. Any country that wants a strong alliance in world cricket should first associate with India.
The former BCB chief said, “Absolutely. Bangladesh has been India’s strongest ally ever since I joined cricket administration. I was the chief campaign manager of Jagmohan Dalmiya during the ICC elections and helped secure votes for him. Even during the 1996 World Cup in India, I played an important role.’
The former BCB boss said, “It is important to maintain strong ties with Indian cricket; otherwise, we will go backwards. I believe the new government will try to resolve the issues from the last three months.”
Why did Bangladesh not play in T20 World Cup?
Bangladesh were pulled out of the T20 World Cup after refusing to travel to India citing security reasons. Despite repeated assurances from the ICC, they stuck to their stance and were thus replaced by Scotland.
The decision came after Mustafizur Rahman, who was picked up by Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 9.20, was ordered to be released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) due to his anti-India comments against the neighboring country.
Pakistan was the only country that supported Bangladesh’s stand. However, they were dropped and suffered a loss in revenue due to the crackdown before the T20 World Cup.
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