Shiv Sena opposes participation of Bangladeshi cricketers in IPL

NEW DELHI: India’s extremist Hindutva party Shiv Sena has stirred controversy after opposing the participation of Bangladeshi cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The party’s leadership has announced that Bangladeshi players will not be allowed to play IPL matches held in India.

Shiv Sena’s Haryana chief Neeraj Sethi stated that the party has taken a firm decision to block Bangladeshi cricketers from participating in IPL fixtures on Indian soil. Speaking to the media, Sethi claimed that allowing Bangladeshi players would go against what he described as India’s “national interests.”

He further warned that if Bangladesh continues to take positions critical of India, Shiv Sena would push for further restrictions, including efforts to prevent Bangladesh from participating in additional sporting events involving India.

The statements have drawn sharp criticism from sports bodies, analysts, and observers, who argue that politics should not interfere with international sports. Critics say the move reflects an increasingly hostile and exclusionary approach that undermines the spirit of cricket and fair competition.

Many have described the episode as an example of hateful politics intruding into sports, exposing what they call India’s growing extremist posture on the global stage. Calls are growing for Indian cricket authorities to uphold the principles of neutrality and inclusivity, and to prevent political groups from influencing international sporting events.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet issued an official response to Shiv Sena’s statements.