Committee to be formed to probe Bangladesh’s T20 WC exclusion

State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, said on Tuesday that an investigation committee will be formed to determine why Bangladesh did not participate in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) opted out of the tournament citing security concerns, and Bangladesh were subsequently replaced by Scotland. While the players were reportedly keen to take part, the board’s decision -- influenced by the interim government’s stance on security -- created a controversial situation.

“We will try to understand why we didn’t go to the World Cup and then decide our next steps. The tournament took place, but due to a lack of sports diplomacy we could not participate. Why that happened is a matter of investigation. I hope to form a committee to examine the issue. Through this process, we will identify our problems, understand the diplomatic shortcomings, and ask the cricket board and others involved to submit their explanations in report form,” Aminul told reporters while attending an event at Mirpur Bangla School and College.

A delegation from the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) also met the minister. Aminul said he had assured CWAB president Mohammad Mithun that steps would be taken to uncover the reasons behind the decision.

“CWAB, under the leadership of Mohammad Mithun, has already met me. I have listened to their concerns and assured them that, as Ramadan is ongoing, we will begin efforts after Eid to determine why Bangladesh did not play in the World Cup,” he added.