Delhi HC Rejects Plea to Exclude Bangladesh from T20 World Cup Over Violence Against Hindus

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In a recent development, the Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition seeking directions to the Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to bar Bangladesh from the men's T20 World Cup due to violence against Hindus in the country. India and Sri Lanka are set to co-host the tournament in February and March, with Bangladesh scheduled to play four matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. The petition, which aimed to have Bangladesh excluded from the tournament, was met with resistance from a bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. The judges cited a lack of jurisdiction in matters of policy or foreign affairs, stating that the court could not direct the Union government on handling India's relations with another country. The bench expressed its concerns over the petition's feasibility, asking "What kind of petition is this? You are asking the court to take policy decisions in respect of foreign affairs?" They emphasized that such decisions fall under the prerogative of the executive branch, and that the court could not issue directions to Bangladesh, the ICC, or the Sri Lankan Cricket Board. The petition was ultimately dismissed as withdrawn after the petitioner's lawyer chose to withdraw it. The decision comes amid deteriorating relations between India and Bangladesh, particularly since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed concerns over travelling to India due to security risks, and the ICC has provided assurances on safety arrangements, but no final resolution has been reached on Bangladesh's participation in the T20 World Cup.