Bangladesh Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque has expressed hope that diplomatic efforts will help normalize sporting ties between Bangladesh and India, paving the way for the resumption of regular bilateral events between the two neighboring countries.

Speaking to journalists on Monday (August 17) after a meeting with the presidents and general secretaries of the ad hoc committees of 13 sports federations, Haque said discussions were already underway to resolve the tensions that have affected sporting relations between the two countries.

The recent strain in Bangladesh-India cricket relations intensified after Bangladesh did not travel to India for the T20 World Cup over security concerns following the exclusion of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League.

Although the formation of a new government in Bangladesh had raised hopes of an improvement in bilateral relations, tensions have resurfaced following a recent press conference by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently staying in India.

Regarding the current state of cricket relations between the two countries, Haque said efforts were being made to overcome the bitterness created by Bangladesh's absence from the previous World Cup in India.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, photo- Collected

“We are working to resolve the bitterness that arose over Bangladesh's non-participation in the last World Cup in India. Discussions have already been held with the Indian High Commission and the foreign ministries of both countries,” the sports minister said.

The Indian cricket team was scheduled to visit Bangladesh at the end of August for a white-ball series. However, uncertainty has emerged over the tour amid the ongoing tensions between the two countries. Although the two cricket boards are reportedly willing to proceed with the series, the tour has not taken place as scheduled due to a lack of government clearance. No official announcement has yet been made regarding the series.

Aminu Haque stressed that sports and politics should be kept separate.

“Sports are above everything. We want to use sports to normalize bilateral relations with our friendly neighboring country so that regular bilateral series can once again be held in both countries,” he said.

The uncertainty extends beyond cricket. Bangladesh is also scheduled to host the SAFF Championship this year, and concerns have emerged over India's participation if bilateral relations do not improve.

The sports ministry hopes that continued diplomatic engagement will help create a favorable environment for sporting exchanges and allow athletes from both countries to compete regularly on each other's soil.