Decision comes in wake of a controversy involving Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was removed from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL squad after receiving threats from extremist groups in India
DHAKA: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Jan 6th, 2025) Bangladesh Cricket board (BCB) Director Asif Akbar on Tuesday announced that the national team would not travel to India to participate in the T20 World Cup, citing security concerns for the players.
Asif Akbar said the decision was made after careful consideration.
“While the ICC may choose Sri Lanka or Bangladesh as alternative venues, we have decided not to play in India because our players are not safe there,” said Asif Akbar.
The decision comes in the wake of a controversy involving Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was removed from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL squad after receiving threats from extremist groups in India.
The incident strained relations between the Bangladesh and Indian cricket boards, prompting the BCB to convene an emergency meeting and decide against sending the national team to India.
Mustafizur Rahman had been purchased by KKR, owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, for over INR 9 crore. However, following threats from extremist groups labeling Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” for including a Bangladeshi player, KKR released Mustafizur from the team.
The BCB emphasized that player safety is the top priority, and all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the security of the national team ahead of the T20 World Cup.
