Bangladesh clears shooting teams India travel, days after T20 Word Cup boycott

PTC News Desk: The Bangladesh government sparked controversy after boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to be co-hosted by India and Bangladesh, by approving its shooting team to travel to India for the Asian Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championship in New Delhi from February 2 to 14 next month.

According to Bangladesh-based outlet Daily Sun, the Youth and Sports Ministry granted clearance to the shooting contingent despite earlier government concerns over the safety of the national cricket team traveling to India. During the World Cup boycott episode, interim government sports advisor Asif Nazrul had criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for ignoring Bangladesh’s security apprehensions and failing to address the perceived risks of playing in India.

“The Bangladesh team consists of just one athlete and one coach, making it a very small group. In addition, the organisers have assured us that there will be no security issues,” Youth and Sports Secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam was quoted as saying.

“The event will be held indoors within a protected area, so we do not anticipate any security concerns. After considering all aspects, the government approved the shooting team’s travel," he added.

Bangladesh had urged the ICC to relocate their group-stage matches scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai, especially after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders following a directive from the BCCI. When the ICC declined to shift venues but offered security assurances, Bangladesh opted to withdraw from the tournament entirely, leading to Scotland being named as their replacement.