Although Bangladesh cricket was denied a spot in the T20 World Cup after being denied playing in India, the shooting team heads to New Delhi.
Published January 29, 2026
Bangladesh has approved its shooting team’s trip to New Delhi for next month’s Asian Shooting Championships, days after the cricket team refused to play in India due to safety concerns and missed out on qualification for the Twenty20 World Cup.
Bangladesh will replace Scotland in the T20 World Cup from February 7 to March 8 after insisting they will not tour India, highlighting security concerns amid deteriorating political relations between the neighbours.
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Citing an independent safety assessment report, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected Bangladesh’s request to play World Cup matches in co-host Sri Lanka, arguing instead that rescheduling for the second half was “unfeasible”.
However, Bangladeshi media reports said that the three-member squad, consisting of shooter Robiul Islam, 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 shooting team’s participation in India.
“Bangladesh’s participation was confirmed a month ago. Approval applications for all countries have been processed for almost three months,” Singh told Reuters.
“As a sport we have to follow ISSF norms and comply with the IOC (International Olympic Committee) Charter, and as NRAI we have always had support from the government,” he said, referring to the International Shooting Sports Federation.
Singh added that the Bangladeshi mission had not requested any additional security measures.
“Bangladeshi teams have come to our tournaments many times, so they are well aware of our strict rules. Maybe that’s why they are confident and don’t make any special demands.”
The Asian Shooting Federation, which organizes the event, did not respond to requests for comment.
The Continental Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championships will be held in New Delhi from February 2 to 14.
