Mustafizur Rahman row: 'I've received death threats'- Bangladesh players' chief speaks out

Bangladesh cricket team (ANI)

Bangladesh’s Cricketers’ Welfare Association president Mohammad Mithun has revealed that he has received death threats after speaking up for players who were subjected to derogatory remarks by a senior Bangladesh Cricket Board official. In an interview with Cricbuzz, Mithun said his stance was driven purely by concern for player welfare, especially with the T20 World Cup scheduled for next month. Bangladesh are seeking to have their four preliminary World Cup matches shifted from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.

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The situation escalated after BCB director Najmul Islam stated that players would not be compensated if Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament in the event the ICC refused to relocate the matches. He also claimed the players had achieved little to justify any payout. In response, players across the country boycotted cricket activities. Mithun admitted the threats were a shocking and unfamiliar experience. “I've never had an experience like this. It's the first time in my life. I don't remember ever being involved in controversial talk. It's going over my head, when have I ever spoken against the country?” he said. He stressed that his comments were never intended to be political or anti-national. “I don't know how to take this or describe it as it happens with me for the first time. I haven't used any word that goes against the country; I only spoke for the interest of cricket and the players. “There is no personal issue here. Since I'm the president of an organization, if I don't talk about players' rights, what's the point of me being in this position? No one is above the country,” Mithun added. Mithun also disclosed that he has not formally informed the BCB about the threats, though he has learned that other players have received similar messages. “I haven't informed the board. To be honest, I am not picking up calls from unknown numbers on my mobile. But I can't stop messages or voice notes on WhatsApp. I was asked about this there. It's not just me; my number is available to people because it goes to the press on behalf of CWAB. “That's why I receive more. But I've heard from other players too that they have received threats, different ways and types of threats. I haven't talked to the board about this yet,” he said. Mithun admitted he feels unsure about approaching authorities for help. “I don't even know how to take help from law enforcement because I have never gone to a police station for any legal matter in my life.” Addressing the larger question of Bangladesh’s participation in the World Cup, Mithun made it clear that he wants the team to play but not at the cost of their safety. “We definitely want player safety and security. We never want anyone to go and play under a life threat. We don't want that. But at the same time, we want the player to play in the World Cup because a World Cup is a World Cup. “I believe the board and the Government will take a decision keeping the players' welfare in mind,” he said. Bangladesh’s reluctance to travel to India was preceded by pacer Mustafizur Rahman being withdrawn from the IPL on BCCI’s instructions amid attacks on Hindus in the region. While the Indian board did not officially cite that as the reason, the decision drew strong reactions from both the Bangladesh government and the BCB.

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