Three-member panel formed to probe Bangladesh’s WC absence

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has officially formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Bangladesh men’s national cricket team’s absence from the recently concluded T20 World Cup.

The committee was established following widespread public criticism and an initiative by State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, to identify the factors that led to the team's non-participation. 

The probe body is headed by Dr AKM Oli Ullah, Additional Secretary (Administration) of the Ministry, with former national captain Habibul Bashar Sumon and lawyer Faisal Dastagir serving as members.

According to an official order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Ongyajai Marma, the committee is mandated to review the situation and submit a comprehensive report within 15 working days.

The inclusion of Habibul Bashar Sumon, who currently serves as the Chief Selector for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), has sparked internal debate. Critics have questioned the appointment of a salaried BCB official to a sensitive ministerial investigation.

Sumon, who is currently occupied with the ongoing series against Pakistan, also serves on another high-level ministry committee tasked with resolving systemic issues within the country's sports sector.

The controversy stems from a diplomatic and sporting standoff during the tournament's lead-up. Tensions escalated after the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders dropped Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman. 

In response, the then-Adviser for Youth and Sports, Asif Nazrul, publicly stated that playing the World Cup in India was "unsafe" for the national team.

While the BCB supported the government's stance and requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka, the governing body declined the venue change. 

The subsequent deadlock between the ICC and the BCB ultimately resulted in Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the global tournament.