Bangladesh is set to send its shooting delegation to India for the Asian Air Gun Championship, a move that has exposed glaring contradictions in Dhaka’s position on sporting engagement with New Delhi amid the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup controversy.

While the Bangladesh Cricket Board has raised concerns over security and logistics in India as a reason for its reluctance to play T20 World Cup matches there, the decision to allow another national team to travel to the same country has drawn sharp criticism. Observers say the contrasting approaches have undermined the credibility of Bangladesh’s claims and fuelled accusations of selective posturing driven more by politics than genuine safety considerations.

Officials confirmed that the shooting contingent has obtained all necessary clearances and will compete in the continental event without raising objections about travel or security. The development has prompted questions about why similar assurances are deemed sufficient for shooters but not for cricketers, especially when India regularly hosts international sporting events under stringent security arrangements.

Sports analysts argue that the episode highlights an inconsistency within Bangladesh’s sports administration, with cricket authorities accused of politicising a global tournament while other federations continue to engage professionally. Critics say this selective approach risks isolating Bangladesh within the international cricketing community and damaging its reputation as a reliable sporting partner.

Indian officials have reiterated that comprehensive security measures are in place for all international athletes, pointing out that multiple global tournaments across disciplines have been conducted smoothly. Against this backdrop, Bangladesh’s cricket-related reservations are increasingly being viewed as exaggerated or strategically motivated.

The situation has also exposed internal divisions within Bangladesh’s sports governance, with non-cricketing bodies prioritising athlete development and competition, while cricket administrators appear entangled in diplomatic signalling. Former players and commentators have warned that such mixed messaging weakens Bangladesh’s negotiating position with international sporting bodies.

As the Asian Air Gun Championship approaches, Bangladesh’s participation in India stands in stark contrast to its cricket board’s reluctance, reinforcing perceptions of inconsistency and raising fresh doubts over the sincerity of its T20 World Cup objections. 

This image is taken from Indian Express.