The upcoming India vs Bangladesh Test series has become embroiled in controversy following the recent political unrest in Bangladesh.
Weeks of student-led protests left over 400 people dead and led to the fall of the government, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing to India on August 5.
While there have been reports of violence and looting affecting Hindu people and properties, far-right influencers in India have shared videos and claims that “Islamist radicals” are targeting Hindus in Bangladesh.
Many of these influencers are now urging the BCCI to cancel the upcoming India vs Bangladesh Test series, calling it inappropriate in light of the situation.
One social media user wrote, “BCCI, what exactly are we to gain by hosting a Hindu-genocide-loving nation like Bangladesh? The upcoming series must be canceled at the earliest. This series is not the right thing to do at this point in time. You have enough money to let this go.”
Another post expressed anger over the apparent lack of solidarity shown by Indian cricketers compared to the 2021 T20 World Cup when the team took a knee for Black Lives Matter.
The user said, “The India-Bangladesh Test series begins in a few days. BCCI male players bowed down before the India-Pakistan match of the 2021 T20 World Cup on ‘Black Lives Matter.’ Given the condition of Hindus in Bangladesh, this series should not take place. Even if we are playing, I want to see if this team will wear a black band for its own Hindu brothers and sisters and declare that the genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh must stop.”
One prominent handle commented, “Hindus are getting brutally butchered in Bangladesh, and the BCCI is hosting Bangladesh cricket team in India for a bilateral series. Jay Shah, BCCI, HMO India—do not do this. You are making a blunder that will go down in history. Your hands will also have the blood of innocent, helpless Hindus, including kids, women, and men. Rapes, burning of Hindu homes and temples— even if you are earning 100 billion dollars, it will be called BLOOD MONEY. Yes. Cancel it NOW.”
Another user voiced frustration, saying, “Cricket can’t be bigger than my Hindu dharma. That’s it. I am a huge cricket fan, but I demand the series with Bangladesh should be boycotted. Why is a Hindu-killing nation invited to India? Even though they are openly killing Indians, you are still organizing a cricket match? And the Indian players shouldn’t think only about money. Big players like Virat Kohli, Riyan Parag, Rohit Sharma, etc., should come ahead and ask BCCI to cancel this series against Bangladesh.”
Another Hindu wrote, “Hello Virat Kohli, It’s time to speak up for our Hindu brothers and sisters in Bangladesh. It’s time to boycott the India vs Bangladesh cricket series. If not boycott the least will be to put on a black armband and bend your knees during every match. The Time is now.”
These statements reflect the deep frustration and anger among sections of social media users, who feel the BCCI’s decision to host Bangladesh amidst alleged communal violence sends the wrong message and puts financial gain over moral responsibility.
