Dhaka: Uncertainty continues to cloud Bangladesh’s participation in next month’s T20 World Cup, with national team captain Litton Das admitting that players are still in the dark about whether they will even take part in the tournament.
Speaking after Rangpur Riders’ exit from the Bangladesh Premier League on Tuesday, Das said there was confusion within the squad due to unresolved issues surrounding the tournament venues. Bangladesh have been reluctant to travel to India, citing security concerns following the removal of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League at the direction of the BCCI. Diplomatic strains between the two neighbours, intensified by recent incidents involving minority communities in Bangladesh, have further complicated matters.
Das pointed out that the lack of clarity over group fixtures and host countries has left players unsettled. He noted that while a provisional squad has been announced, the team has not been informed about where they are expected to play or who their opponents will be.
“If we had clarity about our group or the location, it would have made planning much easier,” Das said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. “Right now, not just the players, but the entire country is unsure about what lies ahead.”
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has reportedly requested that their allotted matches be moved out of India, with Sri Lanka emerging as a possible alternative venue. When asked directly whether Bangladesh would participate in the global event, Das responded cautiously, suggesting that no final decision has yet been made.
“There is still time before the World Cup, and honestly, we don’t know what will happen,” he said, stopping short of confirming the team’s involvement.
While avoiding direct comment on the political tensions between the two countries, the Bangladesh skipper emphasized that players would respect and adjust to any decision taken by the board.
“Not everything in life or cricket is perfect,” Das added. “You have to accept the situation as it is. Even the BPL schedule wasn’t ideal, but we still played and gave our best.”
As discussions continue behind the scenes, Bangladesh’s World Cup participation remains uncertain, with players and fans alike awaiting clarity from cricket’s governing authorities.
