Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan adviser in the Youth and Sports ministry of the interim government conveyed a message of hope regarding the Women's T20 World Cup. He said, “Hopefully, the event will not be moved outside Bangladesh.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is set to host the ninth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on 3rd October. However, amid the ongoing unrest in the country, security concerns are mounting for the organisers. Consequently, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has sought assistance from the Bangladesh Army to ensure the World Cup can be held domestically.
In the meantime, several BCB officials, known supporters of the Awami League (AL) government, have left the country. BCB President and Sports Minister Nazmul Hasan Papon, Women's Wing Chairman Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel, and most policymakers have departed, leading to speculation that this major event might be relocated from Bangladesh.
Asif Mahmud, coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, was appointed as an adviser in the youth and sports ministry of the interim government on Friday, following the government's fall in a mass coup. Naturally, he will face questions regarding the organisation of the World Cup.
Asif expressed a message of hope regarding the Women's T20 World Cup, affirming that the ninth Women's T20 World Cup will indeed be held in Bangladesh.
Asif Mahmud stated, “I am aware of the issues surrounding the organisation of the Women's T20 World Cup. I have already initiated activities to address them. Hopefully, the event will not be moved outside Bangladesh. If such a relocation occurs during the country's formation, it would severely damage our image. Fortunately, Yunus Sir is with us. I have discussed some necessary measures with the secretary, and we will convene for those reforms on Sunday.”
“I will meet with the secretaries, and we will make decisions within the ministry. We are led by the internationally renowned Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who is himself a sports enthusiast. He was also involved with the Olympics recently. By consulting with him, I hope we can successfully organise the Women's T20 World Cup in our country. I will do my utmost to ensure it happens,” Asif added.
“I have not yet had the opportunity to visit the ministry. The oath was taken on Thursday, and numerous official Cabinet meetings have taken place. We have many steps to take. Now is the time to build the country,” the Youth and Sports Minister remarked. “I do not wish to comment on reforms at this moment. Since I have not yet had the chance to visit the ministry, there is no opportunity to make any decisions without fully understanding the overall situation,” Asif concluded.
