Bangladeshi cricketers may soon be forced to change their bat sponsors as India's leading sports equipment manufacturer SG has decided not to renew its contracts with Bangladeshi players. The move comes amid rising cricket-related and diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh.
Bangladesh may lose sponsor
The situation reportedly escalated after IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, acting on instructions from the BCCI, released Bangladesh’s leading pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the team. Following his release, the Bangladesh Cricket Board became involved in a dispute with the BCCI over the issue.
SG currently sponsors several top Bangladeshi cricketers, including captain Litton Das, Yasir Rabbi, and Mominul Haque. While the players have not received any official communication from the company, their agents have informed them that the contracts may not be renewed. Quoting a Bangladeshi cricketer, Telecomnasia reported, "It seems that's going to happen in the next few days."
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Concerns are also growing that SG's decision could have a wider impact on Bangladesh's sports industry. A source involved in player sponsorship told Telecomnasia that other manufacturing companies might also decide not to sponsor Bangladeshi cricketers if the situation continues.
BCB seeks ICC intervention on World Cup matches
After holding an emergency meeting on January 4, the Bangladesh Cricket Board formally requested the ICC to relocate Bangladesh's matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns for players and officials.
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The ICC's decision on the request is still pending. Bangladesh has been placed in Group C of the tournament. As per the current schedule, they are set to play West Indies, Italy, and England in Kolkata on February 7, 9, and 14, respectively, before facing Nepal in their final group match in Mumbai on February 17.
