NEW DELHI: Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has strongly spoken out against recent attacks on the minority Hindus in Bangladesh. He shared his feelings on social media after reports emerged about a Hindu widow being brutally assaulted. Dhawan said such acts of violence are wrong and should never be accepted.Posting on his social media account X (formerly Twitter), Dhawan wrote: “Heartbreaking to read about the brutal assault on a Hindu widow in Bangladesh. Such violence against anyone, anywhere is unacceptable. Prayers for justice and support for the survivor.”
Over the past few months, there have been several incidents of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Since December, reports say that men from minority communities have been killed. The situation has badly affected cricket relations between India and Bangladesh.After public backlashes, the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad.The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) demanded that their four T20 World Cup matches in India be shifted to Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns.On Wednesday, the BCB confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has stepped in to ensure Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup is not disrupted. The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7.The BCB said the ICC has replied to their concerns and is ready to work closely with them on security matters.“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has received a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the Board’s expressed concerns over the safety and security of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, including the request for relocation of the team’s matches,” the BCB said in their statement.The board added that the ICC wants Bangladesh to take part fully in the tournament.“In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board’s inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event.“The BCB has also taken note of certain reports published in a section of the media suggesting that the Board has been issued an ultimatum in this regard. The BCB categorically states that such claims are completely false, unfounded and do not reflect the nature or content of the communication received from the ICC.“The Board will continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities in a cooperative and professional manner to arrive at an affable and practical solution that ensures the smooth and successful participation of the team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains firmly committed to placing the highest priority on the safety, security and well-being of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team,” the statement read.
About the Author
