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A single press conference by Sheikh Hasina from Delhi for the people in Bangladesh is likely to ruin all of the efforts made by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to host the India National Cricket Team for a white-ball series in September or at the end of August.
Tamim Iqbal, the BCB head, left no stone unturned, from communicating with the BCCI to holding discussions with the governments of both of the countries; he did everything. Only a few days ago, a series between these two nations was not too far.
Political tension is likely to influence cricket again
But now, after the virtual press conference of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the situation has changed drastically. For political reasons, the distance between the two cricket boards is unlikely to ease soon. Thus, a bilateral series between these two national cricket teams in Bangladesh seems to be only a distant dream.
On August 5, the former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Awami League MP and cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, and some other party members held a press conference virtually, addressing the people in Bangladesh. Hasina wished to return to the nation. The press conference, which originated in Delhi, sparked fresh political tension between two neighboring nations.
Bangladesh Home Minister makes their relationship status with India clear
While BCB keeps its fingers crossed for a series with the Indian cricket team, fresh comments from the Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on August 8 mentioned India cannot seek a friendly relationship with Bangladesh while allowing the ousted Prime Minister to make statements from Delhi.
"You [India] will play the Hasina card while seeking a friendly relationship with Bangladesh. Those two things are contradictory. I hope the Indian authorities and government understand this," Salahuddin Ahmed said at a discussion at the Dhaka University Senate building.
He also mentioned that their government aims to maintain a healthy relationship with India, which should be based on mutual dignity, mutual respect, sovereignty and equality.
"We want to maintain friendly relations with you. But we will never become Awami League. We will maintain relations with you while upholding Bangladesh’s interests, based on mutual dignity and respect and based on sovereignty and equality", he added.
India vs Bangladesh potential series near impossible after Sheikh Hasina's press conference: Report
Cricbuzz on August 9 reported that these comments were the final nails in the coffin as far as hosting India is concerned. BCB officials still could hope for the best possible outcome, but a series is unlikely to take place at this moment.
A top BCB official told Cricbuzz that they are now also doubtful about a series with India after the recent political developments. Silence from the other is also possible.
"I am doubtful about the series now after all the recent developments. I don't think we will get any response from the other side (as far as the series is concerned), and truth be told, it was supposed to happen by August 28; how many days do we have left?" the BCB official said.
"I don't think so (that the series will proceed as planned). We tried our best on behalf of the cricket board, but this is beyond all of us at this point," the source added.
