Although BCB’s decision forbids waving flags other than those of their own nation, its timing seemingly points to an aversion to Pakistan. PHOTO: AFP
An abrupt ruling by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) banning local fans from waving non-Bangladeshi flags at the ongoing World Twenty20 has shifted the focus from cricket.
The last 24 hours saw a strong reaction from former Pakistan cricketers and fans who protested the unprecedented ban, deeming it against the spirit of the game.
According to the BCB, the decision stops local fans from waving flags of all the participating nations other than Bangladesh. However, it is believed that the restriction is Pakistan-specific as it materialised after an outcry over locals waving Pakistani flags during the recent Asia Cup.
Former Pakistan Test opener Mohsin Khan termed the ban a violation of the spirit of the game.
“It’s a shocking ban and a childish move by the BCB,” said Mohsin. “It’s not right to stop fans from cheering any team.
“Pakistan have always supported Bangladesh cricket and our board event sent its team [for the Asia Cup] despite security apprehensions.”
Mohsin hoped the Bangladesh board will reverse the decision shortly and will allow fans to support their favourite teams independently.
“Bangladesh must realise that they also have to go out of their country to play.”
Mohsin noted that such a decision has never been taken either by the boards of Pakistan and India even in the face of a bitter rivalry between the archrivals.
“Pakistan fans cheer for Indian players and vice versa. Legendary players like [Sachin] Tendulkar are revered as heroes in our country. That is how it should be.”
Former captain Younus Khan was also shocked with the decision.
“Cricket is a gentleman’s game and the ban is against its spirit,” he said. “I think it will be difficult to stop fans as nobody can curb enthusiasts from supporting their favourite team.”
‘Cricket should be kept away from politics’
Another former captain currently associated with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) urged that the sport must not be mixed with politics.
“Mixing cricket with politics is wrong,” he said. “The decision has been taken under political influence.”
He further said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) must act to nullify the decision.
“ICC is hosting the tournament; not the BCB. The governing body must step in so that the decision can be reversed and people are allowed to support whichever team they want.”
‘ICC has written to BCB’
An official close to the ICC confirmed that the governing body has written a letter to BCB Chief Executive Nizamuddin Ahmed. However, Ahmed could not be approached despite repeated attempts.
Meanwhile, cricket fans are equally disappointed with the controversial orders by the BCB.
“It’s the right of people to support whichever team they want,” said a graduate student Ahsan Ahmed.
“Everyone has their own favourite players, be it Chris Gayle, Shahid Afridi or MS Dhoni. They must be allowed to cheer for any player or team they want.
“Such decisions are detrimental to the game which is already facing tough times.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 27th, 2014.
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@Vectra: Pakistan is poking nose bcoz Bangladeshi fans support only Pakistani team n no other foreign team, thats y other teams have no concern.
@Vectra: beecause the whole move was specific to Pakistani flag so they had to ban all flags not to look too odd. Anyway the rest shows you biased toward Pakistan out of your hate.
if Bcb doesn't want the supporters to cheer foreign team then why they have foreign cricket coach from Australia and why they host this world cup.
Though i support bangladesh decision but it should be applied to bilateral series but not ICC conducted international leagues/tournaments like this T 20.
Says a country where a cricket team was gunned down in bus while perpetrators cited cricket is unislamic by the group. Says a country where fatwa is issues against media for praising tendulkar.. Says a country where they themselves arrested and jailed 2mlas in azad kashmir for cheering india win against pakistan in mohali World Cup semi final. Says a country where when they lost t20against india in World Cup final their caption shoib apologised to whole Muslim world for losing against india leaving man of match indian Muslim cricketer irfan Pathan baffled along with indian Muslims. Wow shows their sportsman spirit was it a war?. In Middle East or anywhere else, they are nationalistic first not religious and care less about pakistan win or loss. They are bothered about their own country win against opponent. . So you o saned ones first raise voice against your own countrymen who do such acts, why so precious little outrage and brush under the carpet strategy at your own country incident, and highly exaggerated, blown out of proportion when it happens To others countries? Plz look into your own mess the preach other countries. It's bangladeshs internal matter india or pakistan have no business to interfere in it or judge it focus on your own sports matter first.
Hasina Wajid needs to keep her party intact. Let the Bengalis do what they want to because this is a short-term restriction. As it is they are not putting up a good show in the ongoing T20 World Cup and failed miserably in the Asia Cup 2014. Salams
example of a moral bankruptcy at its highest. ..