The Vice President and Director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Faruque Ahmed, hinted in a conversation with India Today that Bangladesh is exploring the hybrid model for participation in the T20 World Cup, akin to Pakistan. He articulated clearly that the matter has surpassed the confines of clubs, franchises, or boards; it's now circumscribed by national security and government regulations.
Ahmed's statements render it evident that the Bangladeshi government's concern for the safety of its team in India is serious, prompting a reassessment of the World Cup venue options. Let's delve deeper into Ahmed's comments on the World Cup...
Question: What led to this decision? The IPL and World Cup are entirely different events.
Answer:
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia issued a statement and recommended Mustafizur’s release from the KKR squad due to security concerns, possibly arising from inter-country tensions. This situation consequently implicates the Bangladesh team, which has scheduled games in Kolkata. Our board obeys government directives, making governmental decisions pivotal. We cannot unilaterally determine outcomes. If Mustafizur’s safety is jeopardized, then the team's visits to Kolkata and Mumbai also fall under government scrutiny.
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Question: Did you consult Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor on this issue?
Answer:
Possibly yes. The BCB President has conferred with the sports advisor. I hold the Vice President’s office.
Question: Do you perceive any political influence in Mustafizur’s case? Was it discussed in your meetings?
Answer: It’s conceivable, yes. The instigator of India’s security alert remains unknown to me, yet BCCI advocated Mustafizur’s KKR departure. This implies it’s not solely a club or franchise matter anymore. It suggests potential Indian governmental involvement, thus involving Bangladesh’s entire team.
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Question: Would you still engage in dialogues with BCCI or exclusively with ICC?
Answer:
It’s a broader concern beyond franchises or boards. When individual security cannot be ensured, it encompasses the entire team and support staff’s security.
Question: Is concern limited to India or particularly Kolkata?
Answer:
Three Kolkata-based games are planned alongside one in Mumbai. Currently, the first three games remain in Kolkata, and Mustafizur is part of KKR.
Read More: Amid rising tensions with India, Bangladesh announces T20 World Cup squad, Liton Das to captain, Mustafizur Rahman joins the squad
Question: But Kolkata hosted Pakistan during the 2023 World Cup!
Answer:
Yes, but the scenario has evolved. Participants now partake in the hybrid model. India opts for Dubai, Pakistan forgoes travel to India, preferring Dubai instead. This model, although termed 'hybrid,' isn't quintessential for cricket.
