Players, officials point fingers at Asif Nazrul

Players and officials have pointed fingers at former sports adviser Asif Nazrul over Bangladesh’s decision to skip the last edition of the ICC T20 World Cup in February-March this year. 

A three-member probe committee made its findings public on Tuesday after speaking to several experts, cricketers, journalists and BCB officials, with the accounts recorded in the report largely contradicting Nazrul’s later claim that the decision was a “sacrifice” jointly made by BCB officials and players.

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Najmul Hossain Shanto, Test Captain

As per Shanto, the sports adviser Asif Nazrul was the sole decision maker and he isn’t sure who else was there to back this decision.

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Probe blames Asif Nazrul, interim govt for Bangladesh’s World Cup miss

Litton Das, ODI and T20I Captain

The T20 captain of the team was consulted and he opined that the players were all ready to play the world cup but they were reluctant regarding the venue but preferred the venue to be in Sri Lanka rather than India. The preplanned decision of the Government was one sided and the players were merely spectators in this political fiasco between the neighbouring countries.

Mohammad Salahuddin, Senior Assistant Coach

As per Salahuddin, since the decision was made earlier and the press conference was just an eye wash to the country, the players were not consulted beforehand nor their opinions would have mattered since top Government officials made their decisions prior to the press conference…Neither the players nor the officials were given the opportunity to put forward their opinions regarding the matter.

Md Mahabubul Alam, Secretary, Ministry of Youth & Sports

As per Mahabubul, Asif Nazrul called him to join a press conference where he made his decision on his own. Prior to that the secretary suggested that Bangladesh Cricket Board be contacted but no steps were taken. Former President Bulbul was under tremendous pressure since he couldn’t say much against the decision of Asif Nazrul. Former BCB President Faruque Ahmed was contacted and he opined the team should go.

Tamim Iqbal, BCB President

As per Tamim, the Government was anti cricket and anti India mindset which has led to such a vital decision… Security issue was an excuse for not participating and it was only to fulfil the ego of the Sports Adviser.