Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup remains uncertain due to ongoing concerns from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). However, Najmul Hussain Shanto said the players are keen to participate in the ICC tournament that will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February and March.

Bangladesh were scheduled to play their group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai but the BCB asked the ICC to move those matches to Sri Lanka. The request came after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

It was a very difficult time – Najmul Hossain Shanto

On Tuesday, a day before the Bangladesh Cricket Board is expected to officially announce its stance, Najmul Hussain Shanto said there had been no formal discussions on the matter within the Bangladesh Cricket Welfare Association as players have been busy playing matches.

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“There’s really no opportunity to talk about it,” Shanto said Tuesday. “Those of us who participate in the CWAB have been busy competing. And something has happened recently that has had an impact on the players mentally. It was a very difficult time.”

As cricketers we always want to play – Najmul Hossain Shanto

Najmul Hussain Shanto said the World Cup means a lot to the players as it does not happen often. He described it as a rare opportunity and a big opportunity for the players to perform well and test themselves at the highest level.

“As cricketers we always want to compete,” he said. “When there is an event like the World Cup, of course we want to take part in it. These tournaments don’t happen very often. World Cups are rare, especially the 50-over games that happen every four years. I think it’s a good opportunity for us to play good cricket.”

Not really knowing what’s going on inside – Najmul Hossain Shanto

Chanto said he was not fully aware of the discussions taking place within the board but the players’ position had not changed. He also noted that the final decision rests with the BCB, which is expected to announce a decision on participation on Wednesday.

“I don’t really know what’s going on internally, so it’s hard for me to comment. But as players we definitely want to play,” he added.

“There are a lot of issues involved and I personally don’t know all the details,” he said. “But I believe that if these issues are properly resolved, if we have the opportunity, inshallah, it will be very good for the players to participate in the World Cup.”

According to Cricbuzz, the International Cricket Council has set January 21 as the deadline for the Bangladesh Cricket Board to resolve the issue.

The report added that if Bangladesh are replaced, Scotland, the top-ranked team that failed to advance, will need at least 15 days to prepare for the match.

Also read: Jay Shah sends ICC delegation to Bangladesh to resolve T20 World Cup participation crisis