Are you sure we are going to play in the World Cup?: Litton

Any question regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7, is apparently putting the players in an uncomfortable position -- something that was reflected in T20I skipper Litton Das’ reaction on Tuesday.

“Are you sure we are going to play in the World Cup?” Litton asked when questioned about whether the type of pitches used in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is ideal preparation for the T20 World Cup.

Litton had just arrived at the press conference after seeing his Rangpur Riders side eliminated from the BPL following a close game in which they lost after conceding a last-ball six against Sylhet Titans. It was a low-scoring affair, with Chris Woakes smashing Faheem Ashraf for a six off the final delivery to chase down the 112-run target with three wickets to spare.

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“In fact, there is still a long time to go before the World Cup, and we are not even certain whether we will go at all. This is by no means an ideal wicket for T20 cricket. We had expected a much better wicket for a qualifier match,” Litton added.

“No,” Litton said when asked if the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had communicated with him or sought his opinion since the board decided on January 4 not to send the national team to India for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup due to security reasons.

Asked whether it would have been ideal to have that conversation with the board, given that he is the T20I skipper, he replied: “I don't know, but it hasn't happened with me.”

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Litton was more tight-lipped when asked about the players’ stance on the BCB’s decision not to send the team to India for the World Cup. “No comments,” he said.

The issue stems from Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman being dropped by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on January 3 following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).