After T20 World Cup boycott, Bangladesh clears shooting team's India travel

By Admin

29 Jan, 2026

A contrasting decision by the Bangladesh government
Despite earlier boycotting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India over security concerns, the Bangladesh government has now approved its national shooting team’s travel to New Delhi. The clearance allows participation in the Asian Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championship, scheduled from February 2 to 14.

This decision has drawn attention due to its contrast with Bangladesh’s firm stance during the cricket World Cup saga, where security concerns led to a complete withdrawal from the tournament.

Why the shooting team got approval
According to reports from the Daily Sun, the Youth and Sports Ministry cleared the shooting contingent citing the limited size of the team and the nature of the competition. The Bangladesh shooting team will consist of just one athlete and one coach, significantly reducing logistical and security risks.

Youth and Sports Secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam explained that the event will be held indoors at a highly secured venue in New Delhi, adding that the organisers have provided firm assurances regarding safety. After reviewing all aspects, the government concluded that there would be no significant security concerns for the shooting contingent.

The backdrop of the T20 World Cup boycott
During the lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2026, Bangladesh’s interim government adopted a strong position on security. Sports advisor Asif Nazrul had criticised the International Cricket Council for not adequately addressing Bangladesh’s concerns regarding matches scheduled in Indian cities such as Kolkata and Mumbai.

Bangladesh had requested venue changes for their group-stage fixtures, especially following the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman by the Kolkata Knight Riders under a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India. When the ICC did not revise the schedule and maintained its security assurances, Bangladesh opted to boycott the tournament and was eventually replaced by Scotland.

Different sports, different risk assessment
Government officials have since clarified that the approval for the shooting team does not contradict their earlier stance. The shooting championship is considered a low-risk event due to its indoor setting, controlled environment, and limited personnel involved. Reports from the Daily Star also indicate that Asif Nazrul consulted with the Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation before approving the travel.

What this decision signals
For now, Bangladesh’s clearance of the shooting team’s travel suggests that its security policy is not a blanket restriction on sporting engagements in India. Instead, decisions appear to be made on a case-by-case basis, factoring in the scale of the event, venue security, and overall risk assessment. This nuanced approach highlights a clear distinction in how different sports and tournaments are evaluated by the government.