Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup remains uncertain amid ongoing concerns from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). However, Najmul Hossain Shanto has stated that the players are keen to take part in the ICC tournament, which is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February and March.
Bangladesh are set to play their group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, but the BCB asked the ICC to move those games to Sri Lanka. This request came after Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
It Was A Very Tough Time – Najmul Hossain Shanto
Speaking on Tuesday, a day before the Bangladesh Cricket Board is expected to make its position official, Najmul Hossain Shanto said there has been no formal discussion on the matter within the Cricket Welfare Association of Bangladesh because players have been busy with matches.
“There wasn’t really an opportunity to talk about it,” Shanto said on Tuesday. “Those of us involved with CWAB have been very busy with matches. On top of that, something happened recently which affected the players mentally. It was a very tough time.”
As Cricketers, We Always Want To Play – Najmul Hossain Shanto
Najmul Hossain Shanto said that the World Cup is significant for players as it does not come around often. He described it as a rare chance and a major opportunity for 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 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 Is Happening Internally – Najmul Hossain Shanto
Shanto said that he does not have full clarity on the internal discussions taking place within the board, but the players’ position has not changed. He also pointed out that the final call rests with the BCB, which is expected to announce its decision on participation on Wednesday.
“I don’t really know what is happening internally, so it’s difficult for me to comment. But as players, we definitely want to play,” he added.
“There are many issues involved, and I don’t personally know everything in detail,” he said. “But I believe if these matters are resolved properly and if we get the opportunity, Inshallah it will be very good for the players to take part in the World Cup.”
According to a report in Cricbuzz, the International Cricket Council has set January 21 as the deadline for the Bangladesh Cricket Board to settle the issue.
The report added that if Bangladesh are replaced, Scotland, the highest-ranked side that failed to qualify, would 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
