Jan 23, Kathmandu - The International Cricket Council (ICC) has stated that there is no evidence of a "credible or verified threat" that would warrant rescheduling matches in Bangladesh. The ICC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the collective interests of world cricket. However, India’s influence over global cricket remains extremely strong. South Asia accounts for nearly 90% of cricket supporters worldwide, and India contributes approximately three-quarters of the revenue generated by international cricket.

Cricket journalists have commented that, due to the BCCI’s vast revenue and influence, no one challenges India’s dominance in world cricket. Additionally, ICC President Jay Shah, who is the son of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, has become a subject of criticism. Many view this controversy as politically motivated. Since the 2024 movement for democracy in Dhaka, relations between India and Bangladesh have cooled.

Against this backdrop, the removal of Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL team further fueled anger in Dhaka. Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh’s interim cricket advisor, emphasized that “no one should have a monopoly in cricket,” and called on the ICC to truly become a global organization by allowing Bangladesh to participate in the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

Analysts believe that increasing political interference and diplomatic tensions in cricket are casting a shadow not only over the T20 World Cup but also over India’s long-term Olympic aspirations.