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**Bangladesh Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul** publicly thanked Pakistan through a Facebook post on **February 5, 2026**. The vote of thanks followed **Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif**’s statement in which he confirmed that his country will boycott the T20 World Cup group-stage match against India to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on **February 15**. The boycott comes as a show of solidarity with Bangladesh, who were pulled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (which is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka) after refusing to play their matches in India due to security concerns amid bilateral tensions. Scotland was included in Group C in place of Bangladesh.

Nazrul’s post read: “Thank you, Pakistan. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that his country has decided to boycott the match against India in protest against Bangladesh’s ouster from the T20 World Cup.” Sharif, in an address to his cabinet, described the decision as a “considered stance” and “appropriate”, and emphasized solidarity with Bangladesh, claiming that “there should be no politics in the playground”—a statement that analysts considered sarcastic given the political logic.

The incident highlights the growing geopolitical changes in Bangladesh under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government after Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in August 2024. Relations with Pakistan have significantly improved since the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War, as evidenced by the resumption of direct flights after 14 years, growing bilateral trade (27% growth in August–December 2024, 20% growth annually by December 2025, target of $1 billion), military talks (e.g. JF-17 jets), resumption of maritime trade, and joint participation in the AMAN-25 maritime exercise.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) cited security for avoiding India, yet there appear to be discrepancies: A Bangladeshi shooter recently took part in the Asian Shooting Championships in New Delhi. The ICC is facing challenges, with Pakistan facing possible sanctions if it does not play the match (e.g. financial penalties, points deduction). Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that the team is ready and flights to Colombo have been booked.

This “cricket connection” signals deeper regional realignment, making sport a platform for political expression amid strained India-Bangladesh relations.