India’s long-term ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games has come under scrutiny following a diplomatic and sporting fallout triggered by Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the men’s T20 World Cup, according to a report by The Guardian. The incident has raised concerns within the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about the potential politicisation of sport and the risk of future boycotts. Bangladesh pulled out of the T20 World Cup after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected its request to move group-stage matches from India to co-host Sri Lanka. The Guardian notes that the IOC’s zero-tolerance stance was demonstrated recently when Indonesia was suspended from hosting discussions after denying visas to Israeli athletes for a world gymnastics event—effectively ending its own 2036 Olympic aspirations. Without visible improvements, ongoing disputes in international cricket could become a significant obstacle to India’s Olympic bid.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 01, 2026 08:43 UTC