On the Backstage with Boria Season 6 show, Ashraful Haque, former CEO of the ACC, highlighted the importance for the newly elected government and Sports Minister of Bangladesh to understand the value of maintaining solid relations with the Indian cricket board to ensure similar connections with other national boards around the world.
Former BCB boss believes Bangladesh was a victim of the India-Pakistan row
Ashraful Haque was asked by Boria Majumdar whether Pakistan had a role in provoking Bangladesh’s decision. Ashraful Haque said, “Possibly, though I prefer not to discuss politics. As a cricket administrator, I focus on honesty and dedication. Aminul Islam, who was probably naive, was influenced by Mr Mohsin Naqvi, the current ACC president, who persuaded him to come along. Who won in the end?”
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Boria Majumder further wondered: Was Bangladesh the biggest loser during the India-Pakistan rift and missed the T20 World Cup? Ashraful Haque responded saying, “Indeed. It is regrettable and reflects immaturity. At that time, the government was riding on a wave of anti-India sentiment.”
“Yet there is no reason to oppose India, apart from the issue of harboring a criminal as alleged. Otherwise, Bangladesh would need the support of Indian cricket administrators. In the era of Jagmohan Dalmiya, we had respect and a strong position; now we risk becoming a laughing stock because of the actions of a few individuals and the government.”
‘Maintaining a strong relationship with Indian cricket is crucial’ – Ashraful Haque
When asked if ‘India is the financial center of cricket, followed by Australia and England. Any country that wants strong alliances in the world of cricket should first join India.”
Former BCB chief said, “Exactly. Bangladesh has been India’s strongest ally since I joined the cricket administration. I was chief campaign manager for Jagmohan Dalmiya during the ICC elections and helped secure votes for him. Even during the 1996 World Cup in India, I played a key role.”
The ex-BCB boss said: “Maintaining a strong relationship with Indian cricket is crucial; otherwise we will go backwards. I believe the new government will try to resolve the issues of the last three months.”
Why didn’t Bangladesh play in the T20 World Cup?
Bangladesh were kicked out of the T20 World Cup after refusing to travel to India on security grounds. Despite repeated reassurances from the ICC, they stuck to their position and were therefore replaced by Scotland.
The decision came after Mustafizur Rahman, who was picked by TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 9.20, was released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) due to anti-Indian comments from the neighboring country.
Pakistan was the only one to support Bangladesh’s position. However, they were removed and suffered loss of income due to the gap created before the T20 World Cup.
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