Bangladesh cricket is currently embroiled in a major controversy. Speaking up for the players’ rights has become a dangerous affair. Mohammad Mithun, president of the Bangladesh Cricketers Welfare Association, has revealed that he has received death threats after speaking in support of the players.
The situation escalated when concerns were raised about the players’ safety ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Controversy intensifies over speaking in favor of players
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Mithun said that everything he said was solely for the well-being and safety of the players. He stated that the next T20 World Cup is very close, and therefore, the players’ safety should be the top priority.
Bangladesh wants its first four World Cup matches to be shifted from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.
The controversy further intensified when Bangladesh Cricket Board director Nazmul Islam said that if the ICC refused to shift the matches and Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament, the players would not receive any compensation. He also stated that the players hadn’t done anything significant to warrant payment. Following this, players across the country boycotted cricket activities.
Mithun spoke clearly about the threats he received for the first time.
“I’ve never had an experience like this. It’s the first time in my life. I don’t remember ever being involved in controversial talk. It’s going over my head, when have I ever spoken against the country?”
He also clarified that his statements had nothing to do with politics or being against the country.
“I don’t know how to take this or describe it as it happens with me for the first time. I haven’t used any word that goes against the country; I only spoke for the interest of cricket and the players.
“There is no personal issue here. Since I’m the president of an organization, if I don’t talk about players’ rights, what’s the point of me being in this position?” “No one is above the country,” Mithun added.
Want to play in the World Cup, but security comes first
Mithun said that he has not yet formally informed the board about the threats.
“I haven’t informed the board. To be honest, I am not picking up calls from unknown numbers on my mobile. But I can’t stop messages or voice notes on WhatsApp.
“That’s why I receive more. But I’ve heard from other players too that they have received threats, different ways and types of threats. I haven’t talked to the board about this yet,” he said.
He is also confused about seeking legal help.
“I don’t even know how to take help from law enforcement because I have never gone to a police station for any legal matter in my life.”
Mithun’s stance on playing in the World Cup is clear.
“We definitely want player safety and security. We never want anyone to go and play under a life threat. We don’t want that. But at the same time, we want the player to play in the World Cup because a World Cup is a World Cup.
“I believe the board and the Government will take a decision keeping the players’ welfare in mind,” he said.
The root of this whole matter deepened when fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the IPL. Following this, the Bangladesh team’s concerns about coming to India became even more apparent, creating a stir in the cricket world.
