Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today said the government has not ruled out participating in the international cricket tournaments, rather sought alternative venues to ensure the safety of its players and spectators.

“The government has never said that we won’t play. We’ve clearly stated that we’re interested in participating in the World Cup. What we’ve asked for is an alternative venue,”

The Adviser was speaking to reporters after attending a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs held at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at Bangladesh Secretariat today.

Fouzul said Bangladesh remains interested in taking part in the Cricket World Cup and other ICC events, provided that suitable arrangements are made.

Referring to previous precedents, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said the International Cricket Council (ICC) has previously arranged neutral venues for teams facing security or political concerns.

“India didn’t play in Pakistan for many years and played matches in different countries. So, providing an alternative venue is nothing unusual,” he added.
He stressed that Bangladesh was not making any unprecedented or unreasonable demand.

“This is not something absurd or an innovation coming out of nowhere. It is a practice that already exists in international cricket,” he said.

Explaining the rationale behind the government’s decision, the Adviser referred to security concerns arising from political developments in the host country.

He cited the exclusion of Bangladesh famed pacer Mustafizur Rahman from a previous event as a key factor.

“You know why Mustafiz was excluded. Certain political groups… demanded that he be dropped,” Khan said.

“In that context, we considered the safety of our players and the security of spectators and that is why we took this decision,”

Fouzul reiterated that the government’s priority is to ensure a safe and secure environment for Bangladeshi athletes whenever they compete abroad.

“Our position is based on ensuring the safety of our players and fans. This is a policy-based stand, not a political one,” he said.

Khan also expressed hope that the ICC would address Bangladesh’s concerns in line with established international practices and facilitate arrangements that allow the team to participate without compromising security.