New Delhi, Nov 24: In the upcoming IPL 2024 season, Bangladeshi cricketers may encounter a shadow ban, according to recent reports. The speculation arises in the aftermath of India’s defeat to Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final, where videos capturing Bangladeshi fans celebrating the loss circulated widely on social media. These videos showcased fans expressing joy through cheering, dancing, and fireworks, with some explicitly stating their happiness over India’s loss rather than Australia’s victory.
The jubilant reactions from Bangladeshi fans triggered a wave of criticism from Indians, ranging from understanding to outright offense. Some accused the Bangladeshi fans of unsportsmanlike behavior, leading to the trending hashtag #BoycottBangladesh on social media as a response to their reaction.
However, according to reports from the sports website InsideSport, the potential shadow ban on Bangladeshi players in the IPL is not solely due to the controversy surrounding fan reactions. Instead, it is linked to technical reasons and the actions of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The BCB has deviated from the norm by scheduling bilateral series during the IPL. Despite only three Bangladeshi players—Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, and Mustafizur Rahman—participating in the IPL, their availability is restricted to specific windows: from April 9 to May 5 and then from May 15 onwards.
This restriction has not been well-received by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the IPL franchises.
A representative from an IPL franchise expressed his reservations, stating, “It is what it is. We can’t complain because it’s the BCCI that negotiates with other boards. But, for sure, the perception about Bangladeshi players will change in the future.”
BCB President Nazmul Hassan Papon has confirmed the unavailability of Shakib, Litton, and Mustafizur during IPL matches that coincide with Bangladesh’s schedule. He emphasized that the IPL officials were informed about the players’ availability before the auction, leaving no room for ambiguity.
This situation is not unprecedented, as franchises have faced similar issues in the past. England players missed out on the IPL after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) initially refused a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The matter was resolved after assurances from both the ECB and the BCCI. Taskin Ahmed faced a similar fate this time, being ignored despite impressive statistics, while Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson were overlooked after leaving the tournament midway due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India.
Despite the BCCI’s discontent with the BCB’s decision, the Indian board is adopting a wait-and-see approach. Franchises are expected to seek clarification on the BCB’s stance before the IPL 2024 auction, leaving the possibility open that all Bangladeshi players might be released before the next season.A senior BCCI official commented on the situation, stating, “It is completely up to the players to convince their boards. England, New Zealand, and other prominent boards have figured out a way to maintain the status quo. Nobody can deny the popularity of IPL.” (Agencies)
