Dhaka, Sep 16 (V7N)- Former Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul has said the decision for Bangladesh not to participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India was primarily his, made while he was serving in the position.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday (September 15), Asif Nazrul questioned why the Ministry of Sports investigated the matter and published a report months after the decision.

His remarks came after a three-member National Sports Council inquiry committee concluded that the interim government was responsible for Bangladesh’s absence from the tournament and identified Asif Nazrul as the person who made the decision.

Asif Nazrul said security concerns emerged after Indian cricket authorities directed IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman. He claimed the development, which he attributed to pressure from hardline Hindutva groups, contributed to Bangladesh’s reluctance to travel to India.

He also argued that Bangladesh’s security concerns were not unfounded and claimed an initial ICC security assessment had identified several factors that could pose risks.

According to Asif Nazrul, the presence of Mustafizur Rahman at the tournament, unrestricted movement of Bangladeshi supporters and the political situation surrounding Bangladesh’s upcoming election were among the issues considered.

Bangladesh had sought to have its World Cup matches moved to an alternative venue, but the request was not accepted. The ICC later confirmed that independent security assessments found no credible or verifiable threat to Bangladesh players, officials, media personnel or supporters in India.

Asif Nazrul said three considerations were prioritized in making the decision: the country’s dignity, the safety of cricketers, journalists and supporters, and Bangladesh’s stability ahead of the election.

He also defended his position on relations with India, saying Bangladesh should maintain friendship with its neighbor on the basis of mutual respect rather than accepting what he described as disrespect.

The ICC ultimately replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board declined to participate under the published schedule.

END/SMA/AJ