A simmering dispute between the neighbors, who share one of the largest land borders in the world, has escalated with diplomatic protests and a sports boycott.

Bangladesh’s cricket board has repeated its refusal to travel to India for next month’s T20 World Cup during talks with the International Cricket Council, with the players also threatening a boycott in response to “hurtful” comments from the board’s director.

The highlights this week: A cricket spat underscores heightened India-Bangladesh tensions, South Asian governments respond to the U.S. military operation in Venezuela with caution, and former Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli signals cooperation with an investigation into a deadly crackdown on protests last year.

Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah wished Hindus in India and Bangladesh a happy Makar Sankranti, sharing festive photos on X, amid growing concerns over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

Within days, Mustafizur signed up for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) protested sharply, the IPL broadcast was banned in Bangladesh, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) – the body that governs the sport globally – was pulled into a diplomatic standoff.

Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul on Monday claimed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has acknowledged Bangladesh’s security concerns a.

The outreach is also seen as a warning to Dhaka’s political establishment that China has alternative options and is prepared to work with multiple power centres.