Former Indian cricket star Shikhar Dhawan has publicly voiced his distress and condemnation over recent violent attacks targeting minority Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh. His statement comes amid growing tensions that have now spilled over into the cricketing world, affecting bilateral relations and casting a shadow over the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
Dhawan's Emotional Appeal on Social Media
Taking to his official account on X (formerly Twitter), the celebrated opener expressed his anguish after reading reports about the brutal assault of a Hindu widow in Bangladesh. Dhawan wrote that such acts of violence are completely unacceptable anywhere in the world. He extended his prayers for justice and support for the survivor. His post has amplified concerns regarding a series of disturbing incidents against the Hindu community in Bangladesh reported over the past several months, including killings since December last year.
Cricket Relations Face Severe Strain
The deteriorating situation has had a direct and significant impact on cricket diplomacy between the two nations. Following public outcry and backlash, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) intervened and asked the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the IPL 2026 season. This move highlighted the sensitivity of the issue.
In a major escalation, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally raised safety concerns for its national team. The BCB requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh's four scheduled T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka. The global tournament is set to begin on February 7, 2026.
ICC Assures Security, Denies Ultimatum
On Wednesday, the BCB confirmed that the ICC has responded to its security concerns. In an official statement, the BCB said the world governing body has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the "full and uninterrupted participation" of the Bangladesh team in the World Cup. The ICC has assured it will work closely with the BCB, welcoming its inputs for detailed security planning for the event.
The BCB also strongly denied media reports suggesting it had been given an ultimatum by the ICC. The board labelled these claims as "completely false and unfounded." It emphasized its commitment to constructive and professional engagement with the ICC to find a solution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its players while ensuring smooth participation in the tournament.
The confluence of Dhawan's humanitarian appeal and the subsequent cricketing fallout underscores how socio-political events can deeply influence international sports. All eyes will now be on the collaborative security planning between the ICC and BCB in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.
