Intro
Cricketers’ association urges unity after Bangladesh withdrawal over safety concerns and scheduling impasse
New Delhi
The absence of Bangladesh from next month’s Twenty20 World Cup has been described as a “sad moment” for the sport, with the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) urging cricket’s stakeholders to work towards unity rather than allowing division to deepen.
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the 20-team tournament after refusing to tour India, citing safety concerns amid strained political relations between the neighbouring countries. The International Cricket Council (ICC) subsequently rejected Bangladesh’s request to move their fixtures to co-host Sri Lanka, stating that altering the schedule so close to the February 7 start of the tournament was not feasible.
“The withdrawal of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup, and the resulting absence of a valued cricketing nation from cricket’s pinnacle international T20 event, is a sad moment for our sport, the Bangladesh players and their fans,” WCA chief executive Tom Moffat said in a statement.
Moffat called on cricket’s leadership to reflect on the broader implications of the decision. “Rather than allowing division or exclusion to take hold, we urge the game’s leaders to work with all stakeholders — including governing bodies, leagues and players — to unite the sport, not divide it,” he said.
The developments have highlighted growing tensions within South Asian cricket. Pakistan, meanwhile, are scheduled to play all their matches in Sri Lanka, although their participation remains uncertain. Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi said a final decision would be taken after consultations with the country’s prime minister.
Moffat also expressed concern over what he described as a pattern of agreements not being honoured and insufficient consultation with players and their representatives. “It highlights significant issues with the game’s existing operating model at the global level,” he said.
“If these issues continue to be left unaddressed, they will weaken trust, unity and ultimately the health and future of the game we all care deeply about,” Moffat added.
