Bangladesh is absent from the T20 World Cup after the ICC removed the team for refusing to travel to India. Dr. Shafiqul Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has called the move deliberate.
On his Facebook page, Dr. Rahman wrote: “Dear cricket-loving friends, today the ICC T20 World Cup has begun. On a day like this, our eyes would naturally have been on the TV screens, eagerly watching the Tigers compete and celebrating their victories. Sadly, although Bangladesh had the right to participate on this international stage, we have been denied that opportunity. Our cricketers and the nation alike have been insulted. Moments of joy representing the red and green have been deliberately taken from us.”
He added that Bangladesh would return from international tournaments with dignity: “Dear cricketer brothers, I share your sentiments. There will be no compromise on the country’s honour and dreams. We will not bow to any hegemonic power. I firmly believe that Bangladesh will reclaim its rightful place in international cricket, Insha’Allah. We will return with pride, strength, and honour.”
The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. In the opening match at Colombo’s Singhalese Sports Club Ground, Pakistan defeated the Netherlands by three wickets. Later on the same day, India will face the United States in the evening.
