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Former Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has issued a heartfelt plea to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), urging them to take decisive action to safeguard the country's cricketing future amid the ongoing uncertainty over Bangla Tigers' participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Shanto's comment came amid a backdrop of heightening suspense, as administrative standoffs and power struggles threatened to derail Bangladesh's cricketing trajectory.
Bangladesh's participation in the T20 World Cup is in jeopardy as the government and the BCB insist on relocating matches from India, citing "security concerns."
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The ICC awaits a solution, with Scotland potentially replacing Bangladesh if they don't comply.
“Speaking as a player, I want to say that over the last year or two, the environment outside the field has caused a lot of harm to cricket. I would like to make a request to those who are in positions of responsibility: it is important that everyone comes together, reaches an understanding, and ensures that cricket continues," Shanto said during the post-match press conference.
“The game may still be going on, but it is crucial to think about how it can be run in a better and more organised way. At the moment, there is a great deal of uncertainty about what will happen next. Everyone has responsibilities in their own roles, and it is essential that cricket is played regularly on the field and that healthy competition is maintained," he added.
Excluded from the T20 World Cup squad, Shanto emphasised that players cannot afford to be benched, suggesting the BCB should not let the country's cricketing momentum be lost.
“There has been a lot of criticism around cricket in Dhaka as well. I would also like to request that this time it is organised better and more smoothly than in previous editions. If we do not go to the World Cup, my appeal to the board would be to arrange an even better and more well-run tournament for us, so that everyone gets the opportunity to play," Shanto said.
“The off-field issues should be sorted out so that cricket on the field can continue properly and without disruption,” Shanto added.