BCB's India impasse fuels anxiety among players and staff

A wind of uncertainty is flowing at Bangladesh's home of cricket, the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

The saga involving the BCB, ICC, and BCCI has become a national issue after the BCB announced it will not travel to India for the T20 World Cup for security reasons. This followed the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL squad.

BCB has a formidable ally in Bangladesh sports adviser, Asif Nazrul, who insisted they are not ready to play the World Cup "at the cost of national humiliation" or at the cost of security for cricketers, spectators, and journalists.

While politics heavily influences the boards' steps, it is a major concern for the biggest stakeholders—the national cricketers and team management—who are unsure what is in store for them.

Within the national cricketing circle, common questions surround two issues: whether Bangladesh will go to the World Cup, and if so, where will they play?

Furthermore, insecurity has crept in among cricketers as it was reported that Indian cricket equipment maker, Sanspareils Greenlands (SG), ended sponsorship deals with several Bangladeshi players, including Litton Das, amid strained relations.

"I haven't heard anything of that sort officially," a cricketer sponsored by SG told Cricbuzz.

A BCB official working closely with the development said cricketers are going through a difficult time.

"I think it's a very difficult time for the cricketers considering they are not sure what is in store for them in the coming days," the official said, on request of anonymity. "They are quite tense and it is understandable."

Former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal did not shy away from speaking his mind publicly.

"The situation is a bit critical at the moment, and making a sudden comment right now is difficult. But one thing you must keep in mind is that many issues can often be resolved through dialogue if everyone comes together," said Tamim.

"You have to consider where Bangladesh stands in world cricket and what the future of Bangladesh cricket could be and then make decisions accordingly."

Many feel the BCB is abiding by government orders rather than making its own decision regarding travel to India. Tamim insisted that should not be the case.

"We consider the Bangladesh Cricket Board an independent body. Of course, the government plays a very big role, and discussions with the government are necessary. But if we consider the BCB an independent body, then it must also have the authority to make its own decisions," said Tamim.

"If the board feels a certain decision is right, then it should take that decision… Today's decisions will have an impact ten years down the line, so decisions should be taken by considering what is best for Bangladesh cricket and for Bangladeshi players."

Tamim added that the BCB should be very careful before making public comments to avoid creating confusion.

"After taking a final decision and completing internal discussions, that decision should then be communicated publicly. If you announce every step publicly, it creates unnecessary uncertainty, which is what has happened now," he said.

"Whatever the final decision is, I only hope that Bangladesh cricket's interests are prioritized above everything else."

The uncertain situation is also affecting the foreign coaching staff. One member told Cricbuzz, "Well I can't speak for the others but of course I want us to play the World Cup. We are here for cricket and what is bigger than a World Cup? I hope the matter gets resolved soon."

Meanwhile, a Bangladesh Cricket Board official said they have sent a second letter to the ICC and are awaiting a positive response. The wait is becoming unbearable for cricketers, journalists, and fans alike.