Mohammad Mithun, the president of Bangladesh's Cricketers' Welfare Association, has come forward with a disturbing revelation. He has received death threats after publicly supporting players who faced derogatory comments from a senior Bangladesh Cricket Board official. This situation has thrown the cricket community into turmoil, especially with the T20 World Cup just around the corner.
Shocking Threats Over Player Advocacy
In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, Mithun shared his alarming experience. He stated that his advocacy was driven solely by concern for player welfare. The threats have left him stunned, as he has never encountered anything like this before. Mithun emphasized that his comments were never meant to be political or anti-national. He simply spoke up for the interests of cricket and the players.
"I've never had an experience like this. It's the first time in my life," Mithun said. He added, "I don't remember ever being involved in controversial talk. It's going over my head, when have I ever spoken against the country?"
Escalating Tensions Within Bangladesh Cricket
The controversy erupted after BCB director Najmul Islam made contentious remarks. He claimed that players would not receive compensation if Bangladesh withdrew from the T20 World Cup. Islam also suggested that the players had not achieved enough to justify any payout. In response, players across Bangladesh boycotted cricket activities, highlighting the growing rift.
Mithun stressed his role as a leader. "Since I'm the president of an organization, if I don't talk about players' rights, what's the point of me being in this position? No one is above the country," he asserted.
Security Concerns and World Cup Participation
Bangladesh is currently seeking to relocate its four preliminary World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. The team cites security concerns as the primary reason. This request follows an earlier incident where pacer Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the IPL. The BCCI instructed his removal amid attacks on Hindus in the region, though it did not officially state this as the cause.
Mithun clarified his stance on the World Cup. "We definitely want player safety and security. We never want anyone to go and play under a life threat," he said. However, he also expressed a desire for the team to participate. "But at the same time, we want the player to play in the World Cup because a World Cup is a World Cup."
Lack of Official Reporting and Wider Impact
Mithun disclosed that he has not formally informed the BCB about the threats. He has, however, learned that other players have received similar messages. "I haven't informed the board. To be honest, I am not picking up calls from unknown numbers on my mobile," he explained.
He also mentioned the challenges of communication. "But I can't stop messages or voice notes on WhatsApp. I was asked about this there. It's not just me; my number is available to people because it goes to the press on behalf of CWAB."
Mithun expressed uncertainty about seeking help. "I don't even know how to take help from law enforcement because I have never gone to a police station for any legal matter in my life," he admitted.
Broader Implications for Cricket
The situation raises serious questions about player safety and governance in cricket. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the focus is on how Bangladesh will proceed. Mithun remains hopeful that the board and government will prioritize player welfare in their decisions.
He concluded, "I believe the board and the Government will take a decision keeping the players' welfare in mind." The coming weeks will be critical for Bangladesh cricket as it navigates these complex issues.
