NEW DELHI: The World Cricket Association (WCA) on Sunday voiced concern over Bangladesh's withdrawal from the upcoming T20 World Cup, calling it a disappointing development that warrants serious reflection.
A day earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Scotland will take Bangladesh's place in the tournament, which begins on February 7. The ICC said the decision was taken after determining that it was not practical to accommodate the Bangladesh Cricket Board's request to move their matches to Sri Lanka at such a late stage.
"The withdrawal of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup, and resulting absence of a valued cricketing nation from cricket's pinnacle international T20 event, is a sad moment for our sport, the Bangladesh players and fans, and one that requires deep reflection," WCA CEO Tom Moffat said in a statement.
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The BCB declined to send its team to India, citing security concerns following Mustafizur Rahman's removal from the IPL.
However, the ICC rejected those claims, stating that there was no credible or verifiable threat to the safety of the Bangladesh players, officials, or fans in India. The governing body also made it clear that altering the tournament schedule at such a late stage was neither practical nor justified.
"Cricket is at its strongest when every team and every player is treated with respect, supported appropriately and consistently, and able to participate on fair terms. The game is at its best when all participants are genuine contributors to its success."
The WCA is a global organisation representing professional cricketers from multiple countries. However, Indian cricketers are not part of its membership.
"In recent times, the WCA has become increasingly concerned by broader trends in the sport, including agreements not being honoured, rights being eroded, and a lack of meaningful consultation with players and their representatives - all of this amounts to a careless approach to people that should not belong in cricket," Moffat said.
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"It also highlights significant issues with the game’s existing operating model at global level. These issues, if continued to be left unaddressed, will weaken trust, unity, and ultimately the health and future of the game we love."
At the ICC Board meeting on Wednesday, Bangladesh lost its proposal to shift matches by an overwhelming 14-2 margin with only Pakistan supporting its cause.
The WCA CEO said the development "provides an opportunity for reflection across cricket."
"Rather than allowing division or exclusion to take hold, we call on the game's leaders to work with all stakeholders, including Governing Bodies, leagues and players, to unite the sport, not divide it, and in the shared interest of the game's long-term health and success.
"On behalf of players and their associations around the world, we continue to offer our support to the Bangladesh players, who miss out on an opportunity to compete on the world stage, and to their association (CWAB). We reiterate our commitment to work constructively with the BCB and all other stakeholders to strengthen and grow our game globally."
(With PTI Inputs)
