Key points
- Boycott raises fears of politicised sport
- ICC rejects match relocation to Sri Lanka
NEW DELHI: Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the men’s T20 World Cup has triggered fresh concerns within international sport, with reports suggesting the dispute could complicate India’s ambitions to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
According to The Guardian, Bangladesh pulled out of next month’s tournament after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected its request to move group matches from India to co-host Sri Lanka.
The withdrawal follows a political row that began after the Kolkata Knight Riders removed Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League squad, reportedly on instructions linked to rising tensions between the two countries.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have worsened in recent weeks following violent clashes after the death of a Hindu man in northern Bangladesh.
Political interference in sport
Although the ICC insists its governance is independent, critics argue it has historically taken decisions favourable to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which holds significant influence in world cricket. The ICC chair Jay Shah is a former BCCI secretary and has close political connections within India’s government.
The timing is sensitive for India, which is bidding to host the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad after securing the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Unlike the ICC, the International Olympic Committee has a strict stance against political interference in sport and is wary of potential boycotts.
India may need to demonstrate improved sporting relations with neighbours such as Bangladesh and Pakistan to strengthen its Olympic hosting credentials.
