BCB Director Claims Shakib Issue Used to Mask World Cup Boycott Failure

Speaking to the media on Monday, January 26, Babu characterized the board's recent focus on Shakib as a tactical move to "cover a fish with greens" (hide a major problem with a minor one) following Bangladesh’s official exclusion from the tournament.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) formally replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for the upcoming World Cup on January 24, after the BCB stood firm on its controversial decision not to travel to India. The fallout began when the BCCI dropped pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, prompting a sharp reaction from the BCB. Babu criticized the board's handling of the situation, stating that reliance on "cricket diplomacy" had failed and that the board should have sought a safer resolution through the ICC’s independent complaint board instead of taking a hasty, unilateral stance.

Babu further argued that the board is using Shakib Al Hasan as a shield to deflect public anger over the World Cup exit and its own structural failures. He noted that while the government previously maintained that Shakib must face legal processes for his pending cases, the board is now highlighting the star all-rounder to shift the narrative. The director expressed concern that while the ICC might avoid immediate harsh sanctions, the long-term damage to Bangladesh’s cricketing stature is significant, urging for a transparent board election to restore stability.