Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup remains uncertain amid ongoing concerns from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). However, Nazmul Hossain Shanto has said that the players are keen to participate in the ICC tournament, which is to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February and March.
Bangladesh is set to play its group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, but the BCB asked the ICC to shift those matches to Sri Lanka. The request comes after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
It was a very difficult time – Nazmul Hussain Shanto
Speaking on Tuesday, a day before the Bangladesh Cricket Board is expected to officially announce its stance, Nazmul Hossain Shanto said there has been no formal discussion on the matter within the Bangladesh Cricket Welfare Association as the players are busy with matches.
“There wasn’t really any opportunity to talk about it,” Shanto said Tuesday. “Those of us associated with CWAB are very busy with matches. Besides, something happened recently that affected the players mentally. It was a very difficult time.”
As cricketers, we always want to play – Nazmul Hussain Shanto
Nazmul Hossain Shanto said that the World Cup is important for the players as it does not come again and again. He described it as a rare opportunity and a great opportunity for the players to perform well and test themselves at the highest level.
“As cricketers, we always want to play,” he said. “And when it’s an event like the World Cup, of course we want to be there. These tournaments don’t come around often. World Cups are rare, especially the 50-over format which comes every four years. I see it as a big opportunity for us to play good cricket.”
Don’t really know what’s happening internally – Nazmul Hussain Shanto
Shanto said that he does not have complete clarity on the internal discussions taking place within the board, but there has been no change in the position of the players. He also added that the final decision rests with the BCB, which is expected to announce its decision on participation on Wednesday.
He said, “I don’t really know what’s happening internally, so it’s difficult for me to comment. But as players, we definitely want to play.”
“There are many issues involved and I personally don’t know everything in detail,” he said. “But I believe that if these matters are resolved properly and we get a chance, then Inshallah it will be great for the players to participate in the World Cup.”
According to a report in Cricbuzz, the International Cricket Council has set a deadline of January 21 for the Bangladesh Cricket Board to settle the issue.
The report said that if Bangladesh are replaced, Scotland, the highest-ranked team that fails to qualify, will need at least 15 days to prepare for the tournament.
Also read: Jay Shah sends ICC delegation to Bangladesh to resolve T20 World Cup participation crisis