How did Bangladesh become a major rival of India? Cricket is referred to as a 'gentleman's game.' However, politics and diplomacy are intricately woven into the fabric of this sport.
The Indian subcontinent is no exception. The excitement surrounding India-Pakistan cricket matches has persisted for years among the people of both countries.
These matches are viewed as a battle for supremacy between two eternal rivals. The intensity of the India-Pakistan rivalry even surpasses that of the Ashes series between England and Australia.
Due to political reasons, bilateral series between the two countries have been suspended for a long time. Nevertheless, when they face each other in ICC events, a unique atmosphere is created.
Many now find the thrill of India-Pakistan excitement in the India-Bangladesh matches. The recent tensions in the relationship between the two countries are also blending into the fervor of cricket.
In the upcoming Champions Trophy on Thursday, the two neighboring countries will clash. This match is generating just as much discussion as the high-voltage India-Pakistan matches.
The success of countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in the sporting arena is largely cricket-centric.
The glory days of hockey for India and Pakistan are in the past. Other sports also lack a long and consistent history of success.
Taking advantage of this, the popularity of cricket has steadily increased. Alongside this, the competition, enthusiasm, excitement, and rivalry have also grown.
Many believe that since the suspension of the India-Pakistan bilateral series, the most fervent rivalry in the Indian subcontinent is now between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
This has intensified several times following Shakib's timed-out incident during the last ODI World Cup.
Meanwhile, the former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jagmohan Dalmiya, played a significant role in Bangladesh gaining Test status.
