Bangladesh refuses to play T20 World Cup matches in India
Dhaka says decision tied to player security and national dignity, escalating sports diplomacy tensions with India ahead of global cricket event
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh will not play any of its matches at venues in India during the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, a senior government adviser said on Thursday, underscoring growing diplomatic and security concerns surrounding the tournament.
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan made the government’s position clear while speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on January 8, responding to questions about Bangladesh’s participation in matches scheduled on Indian soil.
“Bangladesh will not play at those venues,” she said, when asked directly whether the national team would compete in India during the Cricket World Cup.
Hasan said Bangladesh seeks friendly relations with all countries, including India, but stressed that diplomacy does not require silence when core interests are at stake.
“Bangladesh’s foreign policy is based on maintaining friendly relations with all countries. India is our largest neighbor, and we want our relationship to remain friendly,” she said. “But when actions undermine our dignity or raise concerns about the safety of our citizens, Bangladesh has the right to respond formally.”
She added that Dhaka would not hesitate to assert its principles “on the global stage” if national dignity or citizen security were perceived to be at risk.
The decision comes amid a sharp deterioration in sports diplomacy between the two neighbors. Tensions intensified earlier this month after India’s cricket authorities dropped Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from participation in India’s top cricket league IPL, a move that Bangladeshi officials and analysts say followed pressure from far-right Hindu groups.
In response, Bangladesh barred the broadcast of the Indian league within the country, escalating the standoff beyond sport and into the diplomatic arena. The refusal to play World Cup matches in India marks the most significant step yet, with officials privately citing player safety concerns in addition to political considerations.
Tournament organizers have not yet announced whether match venues involving Bangladesh will be shifted or rescheduled, but Bangladesh’s stance adds fresh uncertainty to preparations for one of cricket’s most watched global events.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
