Intro:
Bangladesh cricket entered a turbulent phase after the ICC excluded the team from the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup.
Dhaka
Bangladesh cricket has plunged into one of the most turbulent periods in its history following the decision by the International Cricket Council to exclude the national team from the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka and India, according to Bangladeshi media reports. The move has sparked widespread criticism and soul-searching within the country’s cricketing establishment.
Reacting sharply to the development, a news article published in The Daily Star described the situation as possibly the most fragile phase Bangladesh cricket has ever faced. This is not merely the pain of missing a global tournament – Bangladesh cricket is passing through what may be its most fragile phase in history, the article stated, adding that resilience without a clear mission and vision would be meaningless.
The decision has also drawn concern from the World Cricketers’ Association, which termed the exclusion a sad moment for the game. The reaction reflects the deep disappointment felt across Bangladesh, where cricket is regarded not just as a sport but as a central part of national identity.
The Daily Star analysis placed significant responsibility on the country’s cricket administration and officials for the current state of affairs. It argued that missing out on the World Cup is only part of the broader damage facing the sport. Domestic cricket, the report noted, remains largely paralysed despite the completion of the Bangladesh Premier League. Even that tournament ended amid controversy, with a match-fixing scandal emerging shortly after its conclusion.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board is now under intense scrutiny. The board, currently led by former national captain Aminul Islam Bulbul, is reportedly grappling with internal discord and governance challenges. According to the analysis, BCB Director Muhammad Mukhlesur Rahman was forced to step down as Audit Committee Chairman following allegations of involvement in match-fixing during the BPL.
Further damage to public trust came after another franchise adviser aired fixing allegations during a Facebook Live session, fuelling speculation and outrage among fans.