Asif Nazrul Clarifies His Statement on the World Cup

In the context of Bangladesh not traveling to India for the T20 World Cup, inconsistencies were observed in the statements of Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul. Initially, he presented the decision as a government directive, but later stated that it was based on the views of the players and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). This difference between his statements sparked renewed discussion.

However, Asif Nazrul has now clarified the matter through a Facebook post. His statement is reproduced below verbatim:

“Yesterday, after an event, I had discussions with journalists on various topics. At one point, I was asked whether I had any regrets regarding the decision not to participate in the World Cup. I said there was no question of regret. However, what I intended to convey was presented without understanding the context and the underlying message of my words, which caused some confusion.

Since early January, I have clearly stated in multiple statements that, considering security risks, the decision not to play in the World Cup in India was taken by the government. I stand firmly by that statement. Yesterday, the question of who made the decision to boycott the World Cup was not discussed, nor was any question asked regarding that.

Yesterday’s event was organized by the Bangladesh Cricket Board to hand over a cheque of 20 million Taka to Dhaka University for the development of its playing field. At such a sensitive time for cricket, I became somewhat emotional seeing their generosity. When journalists asked whether there was any regret about not playing in the World Cup, I felt that the issue was not about my or the government’s regret. The main issue was the sacrifice of the Cricket Board and the players.

The decision not to participate in the World Cup was certainly made by the government, but it is also true that the Cricket Board and the players accepted this decision without protest. Despite financial losses, the disappointment of missing out, and the fear of further sanctions, they accepted it. In this sense, for prioritizing the safety of the people and the nation’s dignity, they deserve the primary credit for the decision to boycott the World Cup.

I acknowledge my failure to explain the matter clearly during an unprepared interaction with journalists at the press conference. I once again firmly state that the decision not to participate in the World Cup was taken by the government. However, the Board and the players accepted that decision. Otherwise, maintaining this stance would not have been as straightforward.”