Double Standard in Bangladesh Sports: Cricketers Barred from India, Shooters Approved

Regarding Mustafizur, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has firmly stated that due to security concerns, the Bangladesh cricket team will not travel to India for the World Cup. Instead, they are willing to play in Sri Lanka. However, for now, Bangladesh has been excluded from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup due to their insistence.

Meanwhile, the same Yunus government, which had previously avoided sending Bangladeshi cricketers to India citing security concerns, has now approved sending Bangladesh’s shooters to India.

Bangladesh has given permission for its shooters to participate in the Asian Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championship in India.

A few days ago, the BCB raised questions regarding the team’s security in India, but the Ministry of Youth and Sports did not hesitate to send Bangladesh’s shooters there. This raises the question: Is Bangladesh’s sports ministry following a double standard for cricketers and shooters?

The shooting competition will take place from February 2 to 14. That same February, the T20 Cricket World Cup will be held in India, co-hosted by Sri Lanka. Regarding participation in the shooting tournament, the interim government of Bangladesh stated that the event is held indoors and in a controlled area, so there is no security risk. Previously, there had been uncertainty about Bangladesh’s participation in the Asian Shooting Championship. After a few days of consideration, on Wednesday, the Ministry of Youth and Sports approved shooter Robiul Islam and coach Sharmin Akter to travel to India. The Ministry of Youth and Sports stated, “We asked the Shooting Federation to obtain detailed security information from the tournament organizers. They were assured regarding the security arrangements. Based on that, we have granted approval.”

The very security concern that prevented Bangladeshi cricketers from traveling to India, resulting in Bangladesh missing the 2026 World Cup, does not apply to shooters, who will be traveling to India at the same time. When asked about the two different policies for athletes, the sports ministry secretary said, “Cricket and shooting are different matters. In cricket, the ICC provided security observations regarding Mustafizur and the World Cup, and there was no assurance from them for special protection of the Bangladesh team. Shooting ranges are controlled areas with minimal public presence.”