Bangladesh's World Cup Boycott May Isolate Team, Warns Former Coach

Amid ongoing safety concerns for the Bangladesh cricket team in India, former national team captain and coach Khaled Mahmud Sujon has warned that boycotting the upcoming T20 World Cup could severely affect the team’s future.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has raised alarms about the safety of players, management, and supporters in India, citing security issues after India’s Board of Control (BCCI) withdrew star pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to threats from Hindu extremist groups.

Sujon, in a recent statement, emphasized that the decision to skip the World Cup could result in significant financial losses for Bangladesh cricket. “If Bangladesh doesn’t play in the T20 World Cup, the team may face severe financial consequences. Apart from Zimbabwe, no other country will want to play with us. What about TV coverage? How will you earn money? Without financial support, how will you run cricket?” he asked.
 

This stark warning follows ongoing diplomatic efforts by the BCB and the Bangladesh government to secure the safety of their team and supporters. Both have expressed strong concerns about the risks involved in participating in India under the current circumstances.

The situation has put the Bangladesh cricket team in a difficult position, with the potential to lose out on vital sponsorships and international exposure if the World Cup is boycotted.