Bangladesh’s abrupt pull-out from the ICC men’s T20 World Cup in India is now under formal scrutiny, with the government appointing a special panel to investigate the circumstances and decision-making behind the withdrawal.
As per an official order issued on May 10, a three-member inquiry committee has been formed, led by former additional secretary Dr AKM Oli Ullah. The other members of the panel are former Bangladesh captain and current chief selector Habibul Bashar, along with Supreme Court lawyer Faisal Dastagir.
The government directive stipulates that the committee must complete its work and hand in a report within 15 working days.
“We will try to start working as soon as possible. And hopefully we will submit our findings in 15 working days,”
Oli Ullah said.
Bangladesh had opted out of the T20 World Cup, which was being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) declined to send the team to India, citing “security concerns”. This stance came in the wake of the BCCI’s request to Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL contract.
The BCB subsequently urged the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s allocated matches to Sri Lanka, a proposal the governing body turned down, with Scotland later taking Bangladesh’s place in the tournament.
State minister for youth and sports Aminul Haque had previously stated that the government would look into whether the decision to withdraw constituted a diplomatic setback for the country.
The T20 World Cup was staged from February 7 to March 8.
(With Agency Inputs)
