Investigation Report: Bangladesh missed T20 World Cup due to Asif Nazrul’s decision

Bangladesh did not participate in the T20 World Cup held in India this February, citing security concerns. An investigation committee formed to probe the reasons behind the decision has held the then-adviser for Youth and Sports, Asif Nazrul, responsible for the move.

A 22-page investigation report was released during a press conference at the National Sports Council on Tuesday. 

The report states that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) concurred with Asif Nazrul’s decision.

The decision not to participate in the World Cup sparked widespread discussion and criticism within the country. In response, the Ministry of Youth and Sports formed a three-member committee in March to investigate the matter. 

The committee was led by Additional Secretary KM Oliullah and included former national team captain Habibul Bashar Sumon and lawyer Faisal Dastagir.

The committee released its report after several months of investigation. 

At the press conference, Barrister Faisal stated that, after reviewing statements from relevant individuals, media reports, and other data, they held the then-adviser for Youth and Sports, Asif Nazrul, and the government of that time responsible for Bangladesh’s non-participation in the World Cup.

He further added that Bangladesh should have participated in the World Cup.

The investigation report incorporates interviews with several individuals, including cricketers, BCB officials, and media personnel. 

Among them are T20 captain Litton Kumar Das, Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, current BCB President Tamim Iqbal, former BCB General Secretary and former Asian Cricket Council General Secretary Syed Ashraful Haque, BCB CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury, coach and then-senior assistant coach of the national team Mohammad Salahuddin, and the then-BCB Director and Head of Cricket Operations Nazmul Abedeen.

The committee also spoke with the Secretary of Youth and Sports, Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam. 

Representing the media, the committee interviewed Arifur Rahman Babu (President) and SM Sumon (General Secretary) of the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association, as well as Reduanuzzaman (President) and Sudipta Ahmed (General Secretary) of the Bangladesh Sports Press Association. 

However, statements could not be obtained from former Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul and the then BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul, against whom allegations were raised in the report. 

The investigation committee stated that although attempts were made to contact them, it was not possible to conduct interviews.