Ministry forms committee to probe Bangladesh's T20 World Cup boycott

Ministry forms committee to probe Bangladesh's T20 World Cup boycott

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has formed a three-member committee to investigate why Bangladesh did not participate in the recent T20 World Cup. The decision follows discussions with State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, who had called for a thorough review of the matter.

The committee will be headed by K M Oliullah, Additional Secretary of the Ministry's Administration sub-division. The other two members are former national cricket captain and current BCB chief selector Habibul Bashar Sumon, and lawyer Faisala Dastgir.

The committee has been tasked with reviewing the circumstances that led to Bangladesh's non-participation in the T20 World Cup. It has been asked to submit its report within 15 working days.

The controversy dates back to when former youth and sports adviser Asif Nazrul issued a statement declaring that it would be unsafe for Bangladesh to play in India, following the decision of Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. The BCB backed the adviser's stance, and Bangladesh demanded a venue change to Sri Lanka. However, both Bangladesh and the ICC remained adamant in their positions, and Bangladesh ultimately did not play in the World Cup.

Notably, Habibul Bashar Sumon is currently a paid employee of the BCB as its chief selector. He is also busy with the ongoing series against Pakistan. Sumon is also a member of another important ministry committee on resolving sports-related issues.