With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup currently underway and Bangladesh not part of the tournament, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul on Tuesday said there was “no question of regret” over the decision.
When asked about Bangladesh’s absence at the National Sports Council (NSC), Adviser Asif initially declined to comment before later saying the call was taken by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the players themselves.
“There is no question of regret. This decision was taken by the BCB and the players. They made sacrifices for the safety of the country’s cricket, the safety of the people, and to protect national dignity,” he said.
Bangladesh’s non-participation had earlier raised concerns over possible financial and administrative losses. However, those worries have eased significantly following BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul’s visit to Pakistan, with the ICC officially confirming that Bangladesh will face no punishment.
Thanking the BCB, Asif Nazrul described the outcome as historic. “A new precedent has been set. The ICC has said there will be no sanctions and that Bangladesh will be considered to host a global tournament. It is a brilliant achievement. I salute the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Such a decision deserves to be taken ten times over,” he said.
Speaking on sports development, the newly appointed sports adviser, after Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, that after taking charge in mid-December, had emphasised strengthening BKSP and had visited the institute about a month ago.
“Building a national sports institute will take time and a lot of money. We discussed with the BCB whether a centre of excellence could be developed. We are starting on a smaller scale with archery, football, and table tennis,” he said.
Calling sports his passion, the professor said games keep people away from negative activities and highlighted recent efforts to reclaim encroached land for hosting national competitions. Asif also advised future sports ministers not to prioritise only one discipline.
“Cricket has given us many successes, but other sports must also be given importance,” the adviser concluded.