New Delhi: Bangladesh Cricket Board and players weren’t keen to play their T20 World Cup matches in India to “protect national dignity”, the country’s sports advisor Asif Nazrul has claimed.
He had earlier hinted at Bangladesh government’s concerns over security as the driving force behind their stance of shifting group games to Sri Lanka.
Nazrul was the focal point of failed negotiations with the International Cricket Council, who drafted in Scotland to replace Bangladesh.
“There is no question of regret (not playing the World Cup). This decision was taken by the BCB and the players as they made sacrifices for the safety of the country’s cricket, the safety of the people and to protect national dignity,” Nazrul told Cricbuzz on Tuesday.
Nazrul took a hard-line stance on the issue and insisted how Bangladesh were at the receiving end of injustice from ICC.
“I think we did not get justice from ICC. Whether we will play in the World Cup or not is entirely a government decision,” he had asserted on January 22.
After Bangladesh’s removal, Pakistan had announced boycott of their match against India on February 15 as a mark of solidarity, as announced by the Pakistan government.
But the deadlock ended following a meeting between ICC and cricket boards of Pakistan and Bangladesh, where it was decided that no sanctions would be imposed, which was welcomed by Nazrul.
ICC will also award hosting rights of a global event to Bangladesh before 2031 and keep its status as a full member to ensure absence doesn’t have any long-term effects on the sport in the country.
“The ICC has said there will be no sanctions and that Bangladesh will be considered for hosting an international tournament. This is a brilliant achievement. I salute the Bangladesh Cricket Board,” Nazrul said.