Fortune Barishal chairman Mizanur Rahman has claimed Bangladesh cricket fell back by 20 years after missing the ongoing T20 World Cup, speaking this week via a video message shared from Barishal. He addressed fans as the tournament runs across India and Sri Lanka. His comments landed amid continued debate over Bangladesh’s absence from the global event.
Bangladesh did not feature in the World Cup following a long dispute over security concerns in India. The situation escalated after pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL participation ended, prompting the board to raise objections. Eventually, the International Cricket Council moved on without Bangladesh and included Scotland instead.
Mizanur Rahman believes deeper forces worked against Bangladesh. He said, “Our players could not play in the World Cup. We became victims of deception by both local and foreign groups, who misled us and deprived us of playing.” He added, “By missing this World Cup, we have pushed our cricket back by at least 20 years,” a claim that reflects frustration rather than evidence, but still captures the mood of many disillusioned supporters.
The comments arrived as the Super Eight stage of the World Cup continues. Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India over security, and their failed request to host matches in Sri Lanka, split opinion across the cricketing landscape. The episode has left scars.
Mizanur Rahman also explained why Fortune Barishal stayed away from the most recent Bangladesh Premier League, despite entering the season as defending champions. He said, “I told you earlier that we did not play in this year’s BPL because of time constraints and because the current board was not structurally legitimate.” He confirmed that the franchise withdrew its name on principle.
The Fortune Barishal owner made it clear his exit was not permanent. He said, “If we get a proper board, I ask everyone to come together and restore our old heritage. Let us revive the cricketing renaissance again so that we can return and play next year.” That statement placed direct pressure on the Bangladesh Cricket Board at a time when trust remains fragile.
