Bangladesh’s cricket boycott exposes deepening cracks in South Asian diplomacy

Bangladesh’s recent pull-out over perceived security concerns for the showpiece T20 World Cup cricket hosted by India and Sri Lanka next month has underscored the unprecedented way regional political tensions have spilled over into sports.Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the 20-team event on Saturday after the International Cricket Council rejected Dhaka’s request to move its matches to Sri Lanka, saying it was not feasible to change the schedule so close to the February 7 start.The Pakistan Cricket Board has thrown its weight behind Bangladesh and is casting doubts about its own participation. It is expected to make a decision on Friday.Observers say the tensions began when Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from his Indian Premier League franchise, the Kolkata Knight Riders, earlier this month following a directive from the India" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="20990" data-entity-type="organization">Board of Control for Cricket in India.Mustafizur Rahman warms up before a match on May 24, 2025. Photo: ReutersThe events underline current tensions in South Asia. Last May, India and Pakistan fought a four-day war while ties between New Delhi and Dhaka have soured since former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime was toppled by student-led protests in August 2024.