But what happens when the field itself becomes contested territory -- when players cannot cross the boundary line because the boundary has become a border they dare not cross? Why did Bangladesh take this sweeping step -- one that risked severe sporting sanctions and potential forfeiture of World Cup points? Perhaps most significantly, the concerns extend to ordinary Bangladeshi cricket supporters who would want to travel to India to watch their team compete in a World Cup. If Bangladesh withdraws entirely, both countries and international cricket as a whole suffer damage that will take years to repair. Whether the world of international cricket can accommodate those concerns while maintaining its structures and principles remains very much an open question.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 09, 2026 06:56 UTC