Amid criticism, India-Bangladesh Test series on course
The cricket Test series between India and Bangladesh that starts in Chennai from Thursday will test the changed relations between the neighbouring nations.
Ever since the Awami League government was overthrown by students last month, the two countries have sparred over a host of issues, including ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s continued stay in India. The attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus, during the protest and post Hasina’s ouster sparked large-scale outrage within India.
Amid this backdrop, the Hindu Mahasabha has already announced its plan to protest against the visiting team in Kanpur, venue for the second Test that starts from September 27. They have also announced plans to protest in Gwalior, venue for the first T20 international on October 6.
Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, has also criticised the government for sanctioning the tour. “The Bangladesh cricket team is on a tour of India and the BCCI is rolling out the red carpet for them. I want to know from the Ministry of External Affairs whether the news circulating on social media and some media outlets about atrocities committed on Hindus is true. And if these reports are accurate, then who is pressuring the central government to allow their tour?” he wrote on X.
“If Hindus are being subjected to brutality in Bangladesh, then why is the BJP-led government allowing the Bangladesh cricket team to tour India?” he asked.
In 1991, the Shiv Sena led by Balasaheb Thackeray had dug up the Wankhede pitch to disrupt Pakistan’s tour. In 1999, too, its supporters dug up the Feroze Shah Kotla pitch.
Government sources clarified that the series had to be cleared as it was part of the ICC’s cricket calendar. He said trade was also continuing with Bangladesh, so there was no reason to stop cricketing ties. “India-Bangladesh Test series is a pre-scheduled event. It was not scheduled as per change of Government in Dhaka. BCCI, the host, has commercial commitments and also ICC calendar, these have to be met. Cricket generates revenue that is shared with the cricket board of the visiting team also,” a source said.
