India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games may face serious obstacles following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the men’s T20 World Cup, raising concerns within the International Olympic Committee over the growing politicization of sport. According to reports, the development has drawn attention to regional tensions that could impact India’s prospects as a future Olympic host.
Bangladesh recently announced its decision to pull out of the upcoming T20 World Cup after the International Cricket Council rejected its request to relocate group-stage matches from India to co-host Sri Lanka. The move is widely linked to longstanding political tensions between India and Bangladesh. The situation intensified when Kolkata Knight Riders dropped Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League squad, with reports suggesting the decision was taken on the direction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Pakistan is also reportedly considering a boycott of the tournament in support of Bangladesh, with a final decision expected soon. Although the ICC ruled that Bangladesh would continue to play its matches in India, reports indicate that the BCCI strongly opposed any changes to the tournament schedule. While the ICC maintains that it operates independently, past decisions have been viewed as favoring Indian interests, including granting India a guaranteed semi-final slot at the 2024 T20 World Cup in Guyana.
These developments come at a crucial time for India, which has recently secured hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and is competing with Qatar to host the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad. The International Olympic Committee applies far stricter standards regarding political interference in sports compared to the ICC. Sources have indicated that India’s chances of hosting the Olympics could be significantly reduced if there is a risk of boycotts by participating nations.
The Olympic Charter requires sports bodies to function independently of political influence, and its rules strictly prohibit political or religious expression during the Games. According to sources familiar with IOC deliberations, India will need to show clear and measurable improvement in its relations with Pakistan and Bangladesh to be considered a credible and reliable host for the 2036 Olympic Games.
