Ex-Bangladesh batter says not playing in India 'big setback' for his team: 'Politics should remain separate from cricket'

Former Bangladesh batter Rajin Saleh has said that not playing in India will be a big setback for cricket in his country. He has also urged the two nations to keep politics aside and not bring cricket in between.

Bangladesh have demanded to move their matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup outside India citing security concerns. This move comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) pushed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman out of the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Bought for a sum of Rs 9.2 crore by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rahman was the only Bangladesh player in the next season of IPL which will now not be telecast in Bangladesh.

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Big setback for Bangladesh cricket

Saleh, who played 24 Tests and 43 ODIs for Bangladesh between 2003 and 2008, said that the recent developments are not ideal for cricket in the country.

“Previously, many Bangladesh players like Mushfiqur, Taskin and Shakib played in the IPL. But this time, no Bangladesh player will play. It’s a big setback for Bangladesh cricket. Definitely, for Bangladesh, it’s a huge loss,” Saleh told the Times of India on Tuesday.

“Politics should be kept aside and cricket should be played. We shouldn’t do it any other way. The ground may be different, but cricket is separate. Cricket should be played,” Saleh said.

“Look, in India there are Hindus and Muslims — in fact, there are many Muslims. In Bangladesh, there are many Hindus too. My closest friends are Hindu as well. I have two friends, Shimmer and Tushar, and I always talk to them. Politics should remain separate from cricket. This situation is sad. Why does cricket get involved? Cricket should stay separate,” he added.

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He also said that Bangladesh and India have shared good relations and the recent downturn saddened him.

“We share a good friendship with India. Bangladesh are preparing for the World Cup and practising. The board has taken a decision regarding India, and we are actually sad. We are hurt by this news and these developments. India are very important to us. Bangladesh have gained a lot from India. We have learnt a lot from India,” he added.

Bangladesh have been placed in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Nepal and Italy for the T20 World Cup that starts early next month in India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh are scheduled to play their first three group games in Kolkata before moving to Mumbai for the final group match.