Dhaka: Youth and Sports Adviser Professor Dr Asif Nazrul today affirmed Bangladesh’s resolve to participate in World Cup cricket matches in Sri Lanka, stating, “We have no chance to move away from our stance”.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Asif Nazrul made these remarks in response to a journalist’s question during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. The briefing aimed to inform the media about the outcomes of the weekly meeting of the Council of Advisers. The adviser mentioned that an International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is expected to visit Bangladesh to discuss the matter further.
Dr Nazrul emphasized Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to playing in Sri Lanka, expressing confidence in the feasibility of hosting the matches there. “We firmly believe that hosting the matches there (Sri Lanka) is not impossible,” he stated.
When asked about comments made by Bangladesh Cricket Council (BCC) Director M Najmul Islam regarding the cricketers, Dr Nazrul described the situation as stemming from an “unwanted circumstance”. He highlighted the national unity in support of cricketer Mustafizur Rahman, denouncing the director’s remarks as “insulting and demeaning to all Bangladeshi cricketers”.
He further criticized the comments as “extremely irresponsible” and noted that the issue is an internal matter for the Cricket Board, which he expects to address appropriately.