Delhi High Court Declines to Hear Plea Seeking Bangladesh’s Ban from T20 World Cup

New Delhi | 21 January 2026: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a petition that sought to bar Bangladesh from participating in the men’s T20 World Cup over allegations of violence against Hindus in the neighbouring country. The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February and March, with Bangladesh set to play its group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia made it clear that the court has no authority to intervene in matters related to foreign policy or international relations. The judges observed that decisions concerning a country’s participation in an international sporting event fall under the domain of the executive and not the judiciary. The bench also said it could not issue directions to bodies such as the ICC, the Bangladesh Cricket Board, or the Sri Lankan Cricket Board. During the hearing, the court questioned the very basis of the petition, remarking, “What kind of petition is this? You are asking the court to take policy decisions in respect of foreign affairs? Let it be left to the ministry of foreign affairs.” It further added, “No writ can go to the government of India to act in a particular manner…. These are the prerogatives of the executive… How can a writ go to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)? Sri Lankan Cricket Board? ICC?” The bench advised the petitioner to bring matters that fall within the court’s legal scope. Following these observations, the plea was dismissed as withdrawn after the petitioner’s counsel chose to take it back. The case comes at a time when India-Bangladesh relations have remained strained since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, with tensions escalating further after protests in Bangladesh turned anti-India in December. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup continues to face uncertainty due to security concerns raised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board about travelling to India. The ICC has reportedly held talks with the BCB and offered assurances regarding safety arrangements, but a final decision is yet to be announced. Delhi HC Says No to Plea Demanding Bangladesh’s Exit from T20 World Cup The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to hear a petition that asked for Bangladesh to be barred from the men’s T20 World Cup. The plea had urged action against Bangladesh over alleged violence against Hindus, but the court made it clear that such matters do not fall under its legal authority. The tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February–March, with Bangladesh scheduled to play matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. A bench led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia said the court cannot step into issues related to foreign policy or international relations. The judges stated that decisions involving another country or international sports bodies must be taken by the executive, not the judiciary. They also clarified that no directions can be issued to the ICC or cricket boards of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Questioning the petition, the bench observed, “What kind of petition is this? You are asking the court to take policy decisions in respect of foreign affairs?” It further said, “No writ can go to the government of India to act in a particular manner…. These are the prerogatives of the executive…” After these remarks, the petitioner’s lawyer withdrew the plea, leading to its dismissal. The issue comes amid strained India-Bangladesh relations following political changes in Bangladesh in 2024. While Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup remains under discussion due to security concerns raised by its cricket board, the ICC has assured safety arrangements, and a final call is still awaited.