Bangladesh cricket lost its place at the T20 World Cup after refusing to play in India, but the shooting team is heading to New Delhi.
Published on January 29, 2026
Bangladesh has approved its shooting team’s tour to New Delhi for next month’s Asian Shooting Championships, days after the cricket team’s refusal to play in India over security concerns cost them a place at the Twenty20 World Cup.
Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland during the T20 World Cup, which runs from February 7 to March 8, after insisting they would not tour India, highlighting security concerns following deteriorating political relations between the neighbors.
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The International Cricket Council (ICC), citing independent security assessment reports, has rejected Bangladesh’s requests to play its World Cup matches in tournament co-host Sri Lanka, arguing that the late change to the schedule was “not feasible”.
However, Bangladeshi media reported that a three-member contingent comprising shooter Robiul Islam, his coach Sharmin Akhter and jury member Saima Feroze had received approval from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to compete in New Delhi.
National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) general secretary Pawan Singh confirmed the participation of the shooting team in India.
“Bangladesh’s participation was confirmed a month ago. Our requests for permission for all nations have been pending for almost three months,” Singh told Reuters news agency.
“As a sport, we must follow ISSF standards and comply with the IOC (International Olympic Committee) charter. As NRAI, we have always received support from the government,” he said, referring to the International Shooting Sports Federation.
Singh added that the Bangladeshi contingent did not request any additional security measures.
“The Bangladesh team has come to our tournaments many times, so they are familiar with our strict protocols. Perhaps that is why they are confident and “haven’t made any special requests.”
The Asian Shooting Confederation, which organizes the event, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Continental Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championship will be held in New Delhi from February 2 to 14.
