'Tigers should have played in T20 WC keeping politics away'

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Facilities Department Chairman Shanian Taneem on Saturday voiced deep frustration over Bangladesh’s absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, saying that the Tigers should have participated, keeping politics aside from Bangladesh cricket.

Speaking to reporters in Rajshahi, the BCB Director said the missed World Cup showpiece had dealt a crushing emotional blow to the squad.

“I am sure the players are still feeling the disappointment of not being able to play in the World Cup,” he said. “Personally, I am very upset about the whole situation.”

The BCB Director stressed that Bangladesh should have steered clear of political complications and instead competed on the world stage.

“Bangladesh cricket should have been kept aside from politics and should have gone to play the World Cup,” he stated.

Shanian underlined the magnitude of the loss for the players, describing it as a career-defining moment taken away.

“When a World Cup slips away from a player’s career, it is terrible. I cannot imagine how they must have felt,” he added.

Shanian however, believes regular competitive matches can help restore morale and momentum.

Ever since the Tigers sat out the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the BCB arranged the Bangladesh Cricket League One-Day Version tournament as part of their preparations for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.

“So giving them (Bangladesh's cricketers) some cricket now is important,” he said before adding, “The board deserves some respect for trying to provide opportunities, even if not everything is possible.”