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New Delhi: Bangladesh’s absence from T20 World Cup is a sad reality that demands all stakeholders to work towards uniting the sport rather than dividing it, the international cricketers' association said on Sunday.
The International Cricket Council replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for refusal to play in India citing security reasons in the wake of soured political relations between the Asian neighbours.
ICC declined Bangladesh's request to move their matches to tournament co-host Sri Lanka, pointing to logistical and financial challenges to change the schedule so close to the tournament, which begins on February 7.
"The withdrawal of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup, and resulting absence of a valued cricketing nation from cricket's pinnacle international T20 event, is a sad moment for our sport, the Bangladesh players and fans, and one that requires deep reflection," World Cricketers' Association (WCA) Chief Executive Tom Moffat said in a statement.
"Rather than allowing division or exclusion to take hold, we call on the game’s leaders to work with all stakeholders, including Governing Bodies, leagues and players, to unite the sport, not divide it..."
Pakistan provided solidarity to Bangladesh and even offered to host their group stage matches despite not being the designated hosts.
ICC had earlier agreed on an arrangement where Pakistan will play their matches on the neutral venue of Sri Lanka over their fraught political relations with India.
Moffat expressed concerns that over sporting agreements not being honoured and absence of meaningful consultation with players and their representatives.
"It also highlights significant issues with the game's existing operating model at global level," he added.
"These issues, if continued to be left unaddressed, will weaken trust, unity, and ultimately the health and future of the game we love."
