Concerns Arise Over Upcoming India-Bangladesh T20 Match in Gwalior

In September and October, India will host a two-Test and three T20 series against Bangladesh. The first T20 match was initially scheduled to be held in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. However, due to ongoing renovations at the stadium during the series, the match has been moved to Gwalior. This shift has now raised concerns.

Recently, the government led by Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh has fallen, leading to significant political instability and a deterioration in law and order in the country. Reports of attacks on minority communities have spread on social media. In response, Hindu groups in Gwalior, India, have threatened to call off the India-Bangladesh match as a protest.

Bangladesh is scheduled to play two Tests against India in September and three T20 matches in October. The first T20 match is set for October 6 in Gwalior. Indian media outlet Free Press Journal has reported concerns about this match.

The media outlet has shared a video on Twitter where the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha, a Hindu nationalist political group, is seen demanding the cancellation of the match in Gwalior. Dr. Jayveer Bhardwaj, the Vice President of the Hindu Mahasabha, stated that they would make every effort to have the match canceled. He also warned of possible violence if the match proceeds.

Jayveer Bhardwaj said, "On one hand, there is genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh, temples are being set on fire, and women are being abused, and on the other hand, you are inviting Bangladeshi players to India. This is betrayal. If the match against Bangladesh takes place, it will not be tolerated at all."

He has given Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 15-day ultimatum to cancel the T20 match in Gwalior. Bhardwaj warned, "If the Bangladesh team plays here, we will protest with black flags."