Bangladesh's Test captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has candidly revealed that the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the team's participation in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in India is impacting the players, even as they put on a brave face. The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7, with Bangladesh slated to play four matches—three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
Acting Professional Amidst the Turmoil
Speaking on Saturday, Shanto drew from his experience of three World Cups, stating that external distractions seem to be a recurring theme before major tournaments. "I can say this from my experience of three World Cups – it does have an effect," Shanto admitted. He acknowledged that while the team pretends to be unaffected, the situation is challenging. "Now, we act as if nothing affects us, that we are fully professional cricketers. You guys also understand that we are acting – it’s not easy," he said.
The cloud over Bangladesh's involvement stems from the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) demand to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka. This move came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL), citing unspecified "developments all around." Shanto expressed a pragmatic view, focusing on the team's performance regardless of the venue. "With the right mindset if we go to the World Cup and play anywhere, we should focus on how to do our best for the team," he emphasized.
Strong Condemnation of 'Indian Agent' Remark
In a significant part of his address, Shanto expressed deep distress and anger over comments made by BCB director, M Najmul Islam, who labeled former captain Tamim Iqbal as "an Indian agent." Shanto described the remark as "very sad" and unacceptable, highlighting the respect due to a cricketer of Tamim's stature.
"Such comments were made about a cricketer – a former captain, and in my opinion one of Bangladesh’s most successful cricketers whom we grew up watching," Shanto stated. He stressed that every player, irrespective of their current status or past success, deserves respect. Shanto pointed out the contradictory role of the board, which should act as a guardian. "Parents should correct you at home, not in front of everyone. So such a comment from someone who is supposed to be our guardian is very difficult to accept. I completely reject it as a player," he concluded firmly.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup Challenge
Despite the off-field controversies, the immediate sporting challenge remains the T20 World Cup. Shanto reflected on Bangladesh's past performances in global events, noting a lack of consistent excellence. He pointed out that while the team showed promise last year, they failed to seize key opportunities. As the February 7 start date approaches, the dual challenge for the Bangladeshi squad will be to block out the noise and prepare to compete at their highest level, whether the games are held in India or elsewhere.
The situation remains fluid, with the BCB's request to move matches having been reportedly rejected by the ICC. The coming days will be crucial in determining the final venue for Bangladesh's World Cup campaign, adding another layer of complexity to their preparations.
