BCB director warns of long-term impact of missing World Cup

Newly elected Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director Sirajuddin Mohammad Alamgir has expressed concern over the future of Bangladesh cricket, warning that missing the upcoming Cricket World Cup in India would have significant long-term consequences for the country's finances and international standing.

Speaking at a civic reception near the Chattogram Stadium last evening (1 July), Alamgir said Bangladesh's absence from the tournament would leave a lasting impact.

"Failure to participate in the World Cup in India will have far-reaching implications for our finances and the image of Bangladesh cricket. Many of our cricketers are still personally affected by the disappointment of missing out on the tournament," he said.

Alamgir said Bangladesh now faces a tougher route to qualifying for future World Cups.

"The biggest challenge is that we will now have to qualify by defeating the smaller teams, whereas previously we qualified automatically," he said.

He said the current BCB administration would prioritise improving players' welfare, upgrading cricket infrastructure and reducing unnecessary expenditure to ensure more efficient financial management.

Speaking about the under-construction international cricket stadium in Purbachal, Alamgir said an Australian sports architecture firm was designing the venue and would become one of the world's most advanced cricket stadiums.

Reflecting on his return to the BCB Board of Directors after nearly 14 years, Alamgir also praised BCB President Tamim Iqbal's leadership.

"Among all the BCB presidents so far, Tamim stands above the rest in terms of vision, creativity and innovative thinking. He believes in doing things differently and consistently encourages cost-saving measures," he said.

Other speakers at the event expressed confidence that Alamgir's active role as a BCB director would contribute to the continued development of Bangladesh cricket.