Cricket's most profitable tournament begins on Saturday under the shadow of geopolitical tensions in South Asia. Bangladesh has been replaced by Scotland after refusing to play matches in co-host India, and Pakistan will not face arch-rivals India in their group-stage fixture.
Bangladesh's withdrawal followed a rejected request to move its matches to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns amid escalating political tensions with India. Relations have deteriorated since the 2024 ousting of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to Delhi. India has ignored extradition requests for Hasina, convicted of crimes against humanity, while Hindu minority safety concerns have fuelled protests in India.
The ICC rejected Bangladesh's request, citing no credible security threat, and gave the team 24 hours to confirm participation. After the deadline passed, Scotland took the vacant spot. Pakistan later confirmed participation but said it would not play India, in solidarity with Bangladesh. The India-Pakistan fixture is historically the most-watched and commercially valuable match in global cricket, drawing over 600 million viewers last year.
Cricketing ties between the neighbours have been strained for decades. No bilateral series has been played since 2013, and Pakistani players are barred from the Indian Premier League. Last year, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, leading to an agreement for neutral venues in ICC events. The latest tensions follow a four-day military conflict in April over Kashmir.
Bangladeshi authorities banned IPL broadcasts after Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman at the BCCI's request. The BCB had renewed its request to shift matches out of India, but the ICC insisted on maintaining neutrality and fairness in its events.
