Captain admits players are in the dark amid board–ICC impasse and heavy workload concerns
Bangladesh T20 captain Litton Das has openly acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his team’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, urging caution while addressing media questions on the sensitive issue.
Speaking after Rangpur Riders’ exit from the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) following a three-wicket defeat to Sylhet Titans in the Eliminator, Das initially stopped a question mid-way, saying it was “not safe” to comment as attention shifted from the match to World Cup matters.
The uncertainty follows recent talks between the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council in Dhaka, which ended without a resolution. The BCB has sought a change of venue away from India after the Board of Control for Cricket in India asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman amid prevailing political tensions.
“We’re all unsure”
Asked whether he agreed with the board’s position, Das avoided taking sides. “No comments,” he said, before adding, “Are you sure we’re going to the World Cup? You don’t know, I don’t know—we’re on the same page. We’re not even sure yet whether we’ll go at all.”
He pointed out that players have not been informed about group opponents or even the host country. “If we knew whom we were going to play or where, that would have helped. Right now, no player knows. Like me, the whole of Bangladesh is in uncertainty,” Das said.
Players not consulted
Das confirmed that players were not consulted on the decision-making process regarding participation. “No, consent was not taken,” he said firmly, adding that there had been no direct communication with him. While acknowledging that the situation was far from ideal, he stressed that players often have to accept decisions based on circumstances.
Workload and recovery concerns
Turning attention to workload issues, Das highlighted the physical toll of the BPL. “We’ve played so many T20 matches continuously. There hasn’t been time for proper recovery,” he said, noting that Rangpur Riders, in particular, played a string of back-to-back matches without adequate rest.
Time to prepare if World Cup goes ahead
Despite the uncertainty, Das remained hopeful about preparation time if Bangladesh does participate. “If the final is on the 23rd and the World Cup starts on the 7th, there are around 14 days. Mentally, that should be enough time to think and prepare,” he concluded.
