Breakdown in cricket relations with Bangladesh rings alarm bells for India’s Olympic bid

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Matt HughesJanuary 30, 2026 at 01:58 PM

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Bangladesh withdrew from the men’s T20 World Cup after the ICC refused to move their matches from India to Sri Lanka, due to political tensions stemming from the Kolkata Knight Riders' treatment of a Bangladeshi player and recent violent clashes in Bangladesh. This breakdown in cricket relations between India and Bangladesh, potentially compounded by a possible Pakistani boycott, raises concerns for India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad. The IOC has stricter standards regarding political interference in sports than the ICC. The ICC's perceived favoritism towards the BCCI, which has strong ties to the Indian government, could negatively impact the IOC's view of India's ability to host a politically neutral Olympic Games.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Scotland 30% Pakistan 40% Narendra Modi 40% Kolkata Knight Riders 50% Sri Lanka 50% Jay Shah 50% Mustafizur Rahman 60% International Olympic Committee ×270% Board of Control for Cricket in India ×370% International Cricket Council ×580% Bangladesh ×790% India ×890%

Keywords

olympic bid 90% political interference 80% cricket relations 70% t20 world cup 70% international olympic committee 60% board of control for cricket in india 60% boycott 50% international cricket council 50% india 40% bangladesh 40%