The Strained Bilateral Relations Between India and Bangladesh Evident on the Cricket Field
India and Bangladesh, two cricketing nations with a history of intense rivalries both on and off the field, recently showcased their strained bilateral relations during a U-19 World Cup Group A match in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
The tension between the two teams was palpable as the captains, Ayush Mhatre of India and Zawad Abrar of Bangladesh, refrained from the customary handshake before their match. This lack of sportsmanship raised eyebrows, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) later clarified that it was an unintentional and momentary lapse on the part of their vice-captain.
Despite the delayed start due to rain, the match proceeded, but the absence of a handshake at the toss remained a point of contention. The BCB issued a statement in Dhaka, emphasizing that there was no intent to disrespect the opposition.
The BCB acknowledged that the incident was due to the illness of the regular captain, Azizul Hakim, who could not attend the toss. While the BCB took the matter seriously and reminded the players of upholding the spirit of cricket, the incident shed light on the deteriorating relations between India and Bangladesh, both politically and in the cricketing arena.
Notably, a no handshake policy has been in place between India and Pakistan since the Asia Cup, reflecting the geopolitical tensions in the region. In the case of India and Bangladesh, the recent anti-Bangladesh rallies in India and the decision to terminate the IPL contract of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman have further strained relations.
Moreover, Bangladesh’s request to relocate their upcoming T20 World Cup matches from Kolkata and Mumbai due to security concerns has added another layer of complexity to the situation. Discussions between the International Cricket Council and the BCB are ongoing to address these issues.
Despite the challenges in the diplomatic and cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh, both countries remain committed to the values of cricket and the spirit of sportsmanship. As the teams continue to compete on the field, it is essential to uphold mutual respect and camaraderie, setting a positive example for cricket fans worldwide.
