The entire saga involving Bangladesh’s boycott of the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, could have an adverse effect on India’s long-term ambition to host the Olympics.
According to a report by The Guardian, their chances of hosting the games could be affected if these bilateral tensions are not resolved soon.
INDIA’S OLYMPIC BID
India has been public about its ambitions to host major sporting events. In early November, Ahmedabad was officially announced as the host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games. In addition, there was an open admission of the government’s efforts to push through the bid to host Olympics also in 2036.
THE T20 WORLD CUP SAGA: IN BRIEF
Political tensions between India and Bangladesh were on the rise. This comes after the death of a Hindu man in the country, which has led to pressure in the IPL, given that Mustafizur Rahman was pre-selected in the Kolkata Knight Riders auction.
But after the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s order, KKR eventually released the player.
This in turn led to Bangladesh retaliate by boycotting the T20 World Cupciting security concerns. But despite a request from the International Cricket Council, the decision eventually came down to a vote, with 14 member nations voting against moving the Bangladesh game out of the country. After the vote and the refusal of Bangladesh to travel, they were subsequently replaced by Scotland.
MOV ZERO TOLERANCE FOR POLITICAL INFLUENCE
The IOC will not be as lenient as the ICC, with an unnamed source reportedly suggesting that India’s chances of winning the hosting rights would be “unthinkable” if there was a chance of other nations boycotting the event altogether.
The governing body is expected to act independently of commercial or political interests, but also not to take racial or religious considerations into account, thus maintaining a neutral stance.
IS THERE A WAY FORWARD?
That doesn’t mean this is the end of the road for India’s dreams of hosting the Olympics. In fact, the report suggests there may be ways to get back on track.
The source is said to suggest that they would need to improve their relations with both Bangladesh and Pakistan to show that they can truly be a credible host.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
January 31, 2026
