Khaled Mahmud urges for transparency regarding investigation report of World Cup failure from BCB

Bangladesh's team director during the 2023 ICC World Cup, Khaled Mahmud, has urged for transparency regarding the investigation report on the team's performance. Mahmud emphasised the need for the report, prepared by a special committee, to be made public. Bangladesh's World Cup journey in India was marred by disappointment, as they secured only two wins out of nine league matches and finished eighth among ten teams.

This dismal performance marked their poorest campaign since 2003, that contrasted sharply with their previous records. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) initiated action by forming a three-member committee on November 29 last year. Led by BCB director Enayet Hossain Siraj, the committee, including Mahbubul Anam and Akram Khan, scrutinised Bangladesh's lacklustre performance. The team, once a promising contender, faced an early exit, which prompted calls for transparency and accountability within the board.

"It was in the media... BCB did not made the investigation report public and how the news... What I want to say is there is something like this BCB will certainly give the reason behind it(if they find any problem). I don't know whether it (investigation report) will be made public or not. Those who investigated the matter gave it over to the president and if he feels that it needs to be made public, in that case we can understand what is the truth and what is lies,” Mahmud said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

"I feel whatever is there in the report should be made public. If it is made public if we have any problem it can be solved. If the board feels that they won't make it public and will solve the problem internally it can also happen. It is a matter dependent on BCB and Papon sir," he added.

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Tamim Iqbal had alleged foul play within BCB

Following the submission of the assessment report by Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, skipper Shakib Al Hasan, and team director Mahmud, the committee commenced its investigation on December 3. Engaging with all stakeholders involved in the World Cup, including players and management, the panel concluded its inquiry with discussions with Tamim Iqbal and Shakib during the Bangladesh Premier League in Sylhet on January 29. Tamim Iqbal, who opted out of the World Cup, expressed his disinterest in being involved in dirty politics.