article by Suvankar Roy
Bangladesh wants to play in the World Cup. However, a burning question has emerged at what cost? Is it worth the humiliation? The insecurity? Or the sacrifice of national dignity?
There is no longer any ambiguity regarding the T20 World Cup venue. Dhaka has sent a direct message.under the current circumstances in India, going there to play would be akin to throwing their self-respect into the fire.
Following a meeting with top BCB officials on Wednesday, Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul’s voice resonated with anger, frustration, and unwavering resolve.
“We want to play in the World Cup. But not at the exchange of national humiliation. Not at the cost of insecurity. Not with our heads bowed.”
In this single sentence, the stance is clear—Bangladesh will no longer remain a silent spectator.
“It’s No Longer Just About Security—It’s an Insult”
The controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman seems to have crossed all limits. When reports surfaced that the Indian board itself informed the Kolkata franchise that they could not guarantee the safety of a Bangladeshi cricketer, a critical question arose: If one player isn’t safe, how can an entire team be?
Asif Nazrul offered an explosive hint regarding the situation
“When a country’s board admits they cannot provide security, it isn’t just a failure of safety—it is an ethnic slight, a state-level insult.” Hidden within these words is deep-seated resentment and a clear message: Bangladesh does not go to the World Cup to endure humiliation.
Without naming names, Asif Nazrul’s implications spread like wildfire: “We don’t want to delve into the broader social realities. But the truth cannot be avoided—the environment is not favorable for Bangladeshis.”
This single line says it all. For those paying attention, the message was received loud and clear.
“Why Not Sri Lanka?” – Bangladesh Raises the Question
The demand from Dhaka is no longer a request; it is a firm position.
“We want to play in Sri Lanka. Since there is another host nation, our demand is to play there.”
BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul has traded diplomatic smiles for sharp intensity. His voice carried a new weight: “This isn’t just about the players. Journalists, sponsors, fans—everyone is at risk. The Board cannot handle this alone.”
He posed a piercing question: “Have we ever made such a demand before? No. So why now? Because the situation is not normal. It is not normal at all. India doesn’t go to Pakistan. Pakistan doesn’t go to India. Both cite security reasons. Why, then, is this reality being denied when it comes to Bangladesh?”
This wasn’t just a question—it was an indictment.
Bulbul also dismissed reports that they “cannot” play in Sri Lanka as pure propaganda.
“These are lies. The ICC asked to know our concerns. We have informed them. Now, we will submit it in writing.”
The strongest words were saved for Asif Nazrul’s closing remarks-“Bangladesh’s security, Bangladesh’s honor, and Bangladesh’s dignity—there will be no compromise on these three fronts.”
That one sentence settled the matter. The World Cup is massive, but the honor of the nation is greater.