Tensions between India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are running high, threatening to upset the International Cricket Council's (ICC) governance and potentially affecting India's bid for the 2036 Olympics. The cricketing body's decision not to move Bangladesh's group matches from India to Sri Lanka, amidst a long-standing political row over Kolkata Knight Riders' removal of Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League squad, has raised alarm bells among Olympic officials.
The situation escalated following the death of a Hindu man in northern Bangladesh, leading to violent street clashes between the two nations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) claimed that they acted on instructions from the Indian government, prompting Kolkata's action. Pakistan is now reportedly considering boycotting the T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh.
Critics argue that the ICC's governance is heavily influenced by the BCCI, which has a history of securing favorable decisions, such as guaranteeing India's semi-final spot at the 2024 T20 World Cup for broadcasting and financial reasons. The ICC chair, Jay Shah, was formerly secretary of the BCCI, while his father, Amit Shah, serves in the Indian government.
The situation is particularly sensitive as India recently secured hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. However, bidding to host the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad faces stiff competition from Qatar, and Olympic officials are wary of potential boycotts by other countries.
The IOC has a zero-tolerance approach to political interference in sports, with Rule 50.2 explicitly prohibiting expressions of politics or religion at the Games. Any sign of external influence could jeopardize India's bid. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has previously suspended nations that refused to grant visas to teams from other countries.
As international cricket politics comes into play in the 2036 Olympics, India will need to demonstrate significant improvements in relations with Pakistan and Bangladesh to be considered a credible host. The inclusion of cricket in the Olympic program is seen as an attempt to court the Indian market, but it must be done without compromising on integrity and impartiality.
The situation escalated following the death of a Hindu man in northern Bangladesh, leading to violent street clashes between the two nations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) claimed that they acted on instructions from the Indian government, prompting Kolkata's action. Pakistan is now reportedly considering boycotting the T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh.
Critics argue that the ICC's governance is heavily influenced by the BCCI, which has a history of securing favorable decisions, such as guaranteeing India's semi-final spot at the 2024 T20 World Cup for broadcasting and financial reasons. The ICC chair, Jay Shah, was formerly secretary of the BCCI, while his father, Amit Shah, serves in the Indian government.
The situation is particularly sensitive as India recently secured hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. However, bidding to host the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad faces stiff competition from Qatar, and Olympic officials are wary of potential boycotts by other countries.
The IOC has a zero-tolerance approach to political interference in sports, with Rule 50.2 explicitly prohibiting expressions of politics or religion at the Games. Any sign of external influence could jeopardize India's bid. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has previously suspended nations that refused to grant visas to teams from other countries.
As international cricket politics comes into play in the 2036 Olympics, India will need to demonstrate significant improvements in relations with Pakistan and Bangladesh to be considered a credible host. The inclusion of cricket in the Olympic program is seen as an attempt to court the Indian market, but it must be done without compromising on integrity and impartiality.