"This is the right precedent" - Former England player Mark Butcher backs Bangladesh's exclusion from T20 World Cup
Former England batsman Mark Butcher believes that the ICC's tough decision to ban Bangladesh from the upcoming T20 World Cup should become a benchmark rule for the cricketing world.
Details: Speaking on the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast, the legendary cricketer stated that only such a policy can help maintain the dignity and transparency of the game, ridding international tournaments of endless political manipulation.
As a reminder, the conflict erupted after Bangladesh refused to travel to India due to security concerns, demanding their matches be rescheduled. However, the ICC offered Bangladesh a choice: play as scheduled or make way for another team. Ultimately, they were replaced by Scotland.
Butcher called the situation a terrible mess, but emphasized:
“If a team, for whatever reason, doesn't want to travel to the host country, it should be excluded. The tournament must go on with those who are willing to play.”
Butcher also compared this case to last year's Champions Trophy incident, when India refused to go to Pakistan. Back then, the ICC compromised by moving India's matches to neutral venues, but with Bangladesh, the organization took a different approach.
“The integrity of the sport should matter more than where the money comes from. This is a precedent worth following in the future,” the Englishman said.
This decision has also put Pakistan's participation in doubt. Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi previously stated that the team might withdraw from the tournament in solidarity with Bangladesh. Pakistan's final decision is expected this coming Monday, but Butcher doubts they will pull out:
“It's already too late to back out. If you have problems with the venue, just step aside and give others a chance.”
Reminder: Cricket legend and South Africa icon AB de Villiers said that Bangladesh missing the World Cup is a blow to cricket.
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
