The new government of Bangladesh has started a clear effort to bring cricket relations with India back on track. Minister of State for Sports Aminul Haq met the Indian Deputy High Commissioner at Parliament House just after the swearing-in on 18 February 2026 and stressed on resolving the entire dispute related to the T20 World Cup as soon as possible.
What did Bangladesh say on the deteriorating relations with India?
Aminul Haq said in the press conference after taking oath as minister, ‘I met the Indian Deputy High Commissioner. We talked openly on the issue of T20 World Cup. The conversation was very friendly and honest. I told him clearly that we want to solve all the problems quickly through talks. Bangladesh wants good and honest relations with India in every field including sports.
Aminul Haq also admitted that Bangladesh could not participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 due to diplomatic difficulties. He said, ‘As everyone knows, we could not play the World Cup due to diplomatic issues. If these things had been resolved earlier, our team would have been on the field.
What is the whole controversy that happened on the cricket ground?
This matter started when Bangladesh’s star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was suddenly dropped for IPL 2025. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) called it a political decision and talks between the two boards came to a standstill. Due to this tension, Bangladesh had refused to play in the T20 World Cup. There were statements from both sides, debates took place on social media and a lot of resentment spread among cricket fans.
Now this is the first big initiative of Aminul Haq. He clearly said that it is necessary to end the complications that remain between BCCI and BCB. He said, ‘Now we should leave the old things and move forward. The game should be played on the field, not in politics.
What is the message of the new BNP government?
After the victory of BNP in the 2026 elections, the Tariq Rahman government has given the slogan of ‘Bangladesh First’, but has also emphasized on balanced and positive relations with neighboring countries. This meeting of the Sports Minister seems to be a part of that policy. He said that with the strengthening of sports relations, the closeness between the people of the two countries will also increase.
No official statement has come from BCCI yet, but according to sources both the boards can start talks soon. If everything goes well then the path to bilateral series and joint tournaments may become easier in future.
This meeting is more important than the cricket field. This is the first step in restoring trust between the two countries. Fans are now hoping that soon the thrill of India-Bangladesh will be seen again on the field like India-Pakistan.
