Probe blames Asif Nazrul for World Cup absence

The previous interim government was responsible for Bangladesh’s withdrawal from this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, according to a three-member investigation committee formed to examine the controversial decision.

Barrister Faisal Dastagir, a member of the committee, said former Youth and Sports Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and the government of the time were responsible for Bangladesh missing the global tournament.

“Based on media reports and after talking to experts, we came to the conclusion that the person responsible was Dr Asif Nazrul, who was in the government at the time, and that the government was responsible,” Faisal told reporters at the National Sports Council (NSC) conference room.

The NSC formed the probe committee on 10 May following widespread controversy over Bangladesh’s absence from the tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March.

The committee, headed by Youth and Sports Ministry Additional Secretary Dr AKM Oli Ullah, submitted a 22-page report outlining the key factors behind Bangladesh’s non-participation. Former Bangladesh captain and chief selector Habibul Bashar and Supreme Court lawyer Faisal were the other members.

The report identified political tensions between Bangladesh and India, the ICC’s refusal to change the venue and government intervention as having a high impact on the decision. The BCB’s failure in negotiations was rated “high”, while a breakdown in communication was considered a “medium” factor.

“Bangladesh should have gone and participated in the tournament,” Faisal said.

The BCB had decided not to send the team to India, citing security concerns and directives from the then interim government. Although the players were reportedly keen to participate, the standoff between the government, BCB and ICC eventually left Bangladesh out of the 20-team tournament, with Scotland taking their place.

The dispute began on 3 January after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders following directives from the BCCI. As concerns over Bangladesh’s participation grew, Asif Nazrul publicly questioned the safety of sending the team to India.

The BCB later asked the ICC to move Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka, but the governing body rejected the request, saying a venue change was not possible so close to the tournament. Neither side changed its position, leading to a deadlock.

The committee said the biggest casualty of the decision was the players and supporters.

It recommended keeping cricket separate from political disputes, strengthening the BCB’s independence, improving crisis communication, prioritising players’ welfare and security, protecting Bangladesh’s international interests and establishing a national sports diplomacy framework involving the BCB and relevant government ministries.