India Built Bangladesh Cricket: The Forgotten History Behind Current BCCI-BCB Tensions

Cricket ties between India and Bangladesh are at a low point after the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. The Bangladesh Cricket Board approached the ICC to request that their matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup be moved out of India.

Bangladesh began their journey in Test cricket in November 2000 at the Bangabandhu Stadium in Dhaka. The Indian team, led by Sourav Ganguly, who was captaining in the format for the first time, went on to win the match by nine wickets. Bangladesh put up a competitive total of 400 in their first innings.

How India’s Support Helped Bangladesh Earn Test Status in 2000?

Bangladesh’s entry into Test cricket did not happen overnight. India played a major role in pushing their case at the international level and helping them earn full Test status.

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During the 1999 ODI World Cup, Bangladesh made their debut at the tournament and impressed many by beating Scotland. They then shocked the cricket world by defeating Pakistan, which strengthened their claim to join Test cricket.

Jagmohan Dalmiya, who was the ICC president at the time and a former BCCI chief, backed Bangladesh and built support from other Asian boards to push their case forward. With India’s backing, along with support from Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh overcame opposition from England and Australia.

In June 2000, the ICC voted unanimously to grant Bangladesh Test status. Bangladesh played their first Test later that year against India. The early years were tough, as they lost most of their matches. Their first Test series win came in 2005, five years after their debut, when they defeated Zimbabwe.

India’s Continued Support in Bangladesh’s Cricket Growth

India have played a key role in Bangladesh’s cricket growth since 2000 and have continued to support them in many ways. India and Bangladesh have played regular bilateral series over the years. The BCCI hosted Bangladesh several times for ODIs and T20Is, while Bangladesh also hosted India for white-ball series.

Bangladesh also benefited from playing major tournaments alongside India. Asia Cups and ICC events were held in Bangladesh with India as co-hosts, giving the team opportunities to face top sides at home and build confidence.

Bangladesh players have also gained from India’s cricket system. Many trained at Indian facilities, played ‘A’ series, or featured in the IPL. These chances helped players improve their skills and gain experience at the highest level. India’s strong position within the ICC further supported Bangladesh.

BCB Requests ICC to Shift Bangladesh’s 2026 T20 World Cup Matches Out of India

The issue began when the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman, even though the franchise had bought him for a high price at the Abu Dhabi auction. The decision came at a time when relations between India and Bangladesh were already tense.

KKR followed the directive and released the Bangladesh pacer. Soon after, the Bangladesh Cricket Board held an emergency meeting and wrote to the ICC.

The BCB asked the ICC to move Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India and shift them to Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns. This request came just weeks before the tournament is set to begin on February 7.

As per the original schedule, Bangladesh were set to play three group matches in Kolkata against the West Indies, Italy, and England. Their final group game was scheduled against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Also read: ICC bows to Bangladesh, Jay Shah to announce revised T20 World Cup schedule after India visit rejection