Bangladesh has officially approved the participation of its shooters in the upcoming Asian Shooting Championship in India, marking a significant shift in its sporting engagement with the country. The decision comes just weeks after the Bangladesh government declined to send its national cricket team to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, citing security concerns—a move that triggered major controversy in international cricket.
The Asian Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championship, one of the most prestigious shooting events in the continent, is scheduled to take place from February 2 to February 14 at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi. The tournament will feature more than 300 shooters from 17 Asian nations, making it a major international sporting event hosted by India.
Despite earlier concerns raised over player safety in India, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has now granted clearance for its shooting contingent to travel and compete in the championship.
Government Says Indoor Event Poses No Security Threat
Explaining the decision, Bangladesh Youth and Sports Secretary Mehbub Ul Alam stated that the shooting championship does not pose any security risk to athletes. According to him, the event will be conducted indoors with limited spectator access, and the Indian organizers have provided full security assurances.
“This is an indoor sporting event with controlled access and strict security protocols. The organizers have ensured complete safety for all participating athletes. Based on these assurances, the government has approved the shooters’ participation,” Alam said.
Officials emphasized that the nature of the event differs significantly from large outdoor tournaments such as cricket World Cups, which involve massive crowds, multiple venues, and extensive travel.
Contrast With T20 World Cup Decision Raises Questions
The approval for the Asian Shooting Championship in India stands in stark contrast to Bangladesh’s earlier refusal to send its cricket team for the T20 World Cup, which is also being hosted in India.
At the time, the Bangladesh government cited security concerns and requested a venue change for the tournament. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the request, stating that India had provided adequate security arrangements.
Following Bangladesh’s withdrawal, the ICC took the unprecedented step of removing Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup lineup and replacing them with Scotland, a decision that sparked widespread debate across the cricketing world.
Mustafizur Rahman IPL Controversy Added Fuel to Tensions
Relations between Indian and Bangladeshi cricket authorities deteriorated further following controversy surrounding Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In December, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) purchased Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.2 crore during the IPL mini-auction. However, rising tensions over incidents of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh soon led to protests in India.
Reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh triggered strong reactions from Indian fans and political groups. Amid growing pressure, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) denied Mustafizur permission to participate in the IPL. Acting on BCCI’s directive, KKR released the left-arm pacer from their squad on January 3.
Bangladesh Reacts With Broadcast Ban and Venue Change Demand
The decision to bar Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL angered authorities in Bangladesh. In response, the Bangladesh government imposed a ban on the broadcast of IPL matches within the country.
Shortly thereafter, Bangladesh formally requested the ICC to relocate the T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India, again citing player safety. When the ICC refused to alter the venue, Bangladesh ultimately withdrew from the tournament, leading to their exclusion.
Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Career at a Glance
Despite the controversy, Mustafizur Rahman remains one of Bangladesh’s most successful fast bowlers in T20 cricket. His IPL record reflects his impact in the league:
- Matches Played: 60
- Wickets Taken: 65
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/29
- Economy Rate: 8.13
His exclusion from the IPL this season was seen as a major setback both for the player and for Bangladeshi cricket fans.
Shooting Takes a Different Path From Cricket
While cricket diplomacy between the two countries appears strained, the approval for participation in the Asian Shooting Championship in India highlights that sporting relations have not completely broken down.
Officials from Bangladesh clarified that shooting, as a discipline, operates under different logistical and security frameworks. The event’s indoor setting, limited athlete movement, and centralized venue in New Delhi were key factors behind the green signal.
Sports analysts believe the decision reflects Bangladesh’s attempt to separate Olympic disciplines from high-profile team sports like cricket, which carry heavier political and public scrutiny.
India Gears Up to Host Major Continental Event
India, meanwhile, is preparing to host the Asian shooting event with top-level facilities and security arrangements. The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range is one of Asia’s most advanced shooting venues and has previously hosted multiple international tournaments.
The championship will also play a crucial role in Olympic preparations for several nations, with athletes using the event to fine-tune their form ahead of upcoming global competitions.
]A Sign of Selective Sports Engagement
The contrasting decisions-boycotting the T20 World Cup while approving travel for the Asian shooting event-underscore Bangladesh’s selective approach toward international sports participation in India.
While political tensions and public sentiment continue to influence cricket-related decisions, the green light for the Asian Shooting Championship in India suggests that cooperation remains possible in less high-profile sports.
As the championship draws closer, all eyes will be on how smoothly the event unfolds—and whether it helps ease sporting tensions between the two neighbouring nations.
