A major commercial and diplomatic crisis is gripping Bangladesh cricket, with its national players now facing the potential loss of lucrative Indian sponsorship deals. The turmoil stems from the ongoing fallout after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Sponsorship Fallout Hits Players
The uncertainty has moved beyond the boundary rope, directly impacting players' commercial interests. Indian sports equipment giant Sanspareils Greenlands (SG) has reportedly decided against renewing sponsorship agreements with several top Bangladeshi cricketers. This list is said to include national team captain Litton Das.
While formal notices are yet to be issued, agents and players have received informal alerts about SG's stance. The situation has created confusion and anxiety within the team. "I haven’t heard anything of that sort officially," a Bangladesh cricketer sponsored by SG told media, highlighting the lack of clear communication.
There are growing fears that other Indian manufacturers may follow SG's lead, further isolating Bangladeshi players from a key sponsorship market. A source involved in player management confirmed, "Other manufacturers also might opt not to sponsor our cricketers."
Mental Strain and World Cup Uncertainty
The controversy has placed immense mental pressure on the cricketers. A senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official, speaking anonymously, admitted the squad is under severe strain. "It’s a very difficult time for the cricketers considering they are not sure what is in store for them in the coming days. They are quite tense, and it’s understandable," the official revealed.
Players are reportedly regularly contacting board officials seeking clarity, particularly regarding Bangladesh's participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India. The anxiety has also spread to the team's foreign coaching staff, with one member expressing hope for a swift resolution, stating, "We are here for cricket, and what is bigger than a World Cup?"
BCB Seeks ICC Intervention
In response to the escalating situation, the BCB has taken a firm diplomatic stance. Following an emergency meeting on January 4, the board has written twice to the International Cricket Council (ICC). Their formal request is to shift Bangladesh's matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns for their team.
As of now, the ICC's decision is pending. Bangladesh remains scheduled to play their Group C matches in Kolkata and Mumbai starting February 7. The Mustafizur Rahman episode, which began as a squad selection issue, has now snowballed into a significant cricketing and diplomatic flashpoint, casting a long shadow over the future of bilateral cricket relations and the financial well-being of Bangladesh's star players.
