NEW DELHI: The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) on Sunday raised concerns over Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the upcoming T20 World Cup, calling it “a sad moment” for the sport and urging “deep reflection” on the circumstances that led to the decision.The ICC on Saturday announced that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the tournament starting February 7. The global body said the change was a “difficult decision” after it found it was not possible to accommodate the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to move its 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.The BCB had declined to send its team to India, citing security concerns following Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the IPL. The ICC, however, said there was no verifiable threat to the safety of Bangladesh players, officials or supporters in India and that changing the tournament schedule was not appropriate.“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 represents professional cricketers from several countries, though Indian players 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.“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 an ICC Board meeting on Wednesday, Bangladesh’s proposal to shift venues was rejected by a 14-2 vote, with only Pakistan backing the move.Moffat said the situation “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.”
