'We respect the decision': BPL's best Shoriful says about refusal to travel to India for T20 WC

Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam chose to focus on performance rather than speculation as questions surrounding Bangladesh’s imminent withdrawal from the upcoming T20 World Cup dominated the post-match press conference on Friday night.

Shoriful was speaking after being adjudged the Best Player of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), having taken 26 wickets for Chattogram Royals this season. His consistent displays with the ball were one of the highlights of the tournament, although his side fell short in the final, losing to Rajshahi Warriors by 63 runs. 

Shoriful finished the final with two wickets but could not prevent the defeat.

Asked repeatedly about Bangladesh’s uncertain participation in the World Cup, Shoriful made it clear that the decision lies entirely beyond the players’ control.

“Whether we go to the World Cup or not is totally a decision of the BCB,” Shoriful said. “As players, our responsibility is to think about how we can perform better. Everyone tries to give their best from their own position, and that’s what I am trying to do as well.”

The left-arm pacer acknowledged that being in good form ahead of a major global event naturally brings mixed emotions, but he avoided expressing frustration or disappointment.

“Now, going to the World Cup or not going is not in our hands,” he added. “The guardians of our cricket have taken a decision, and we respect that. There is no point in talking too much about something we don’t control.”

Journalists also asked whether the players had discussed among themselves the possibility of missing out on the World Cup and whether it had affected them mentally. Shoriful again struck a calm note, saying speculation would only distract from cricket.

“We don’t know what will happen next,” he said. “So rather than thinking about that, it’s better to stay focused on our game.”