Bangladesh’s Silent Reaction to India’s ICC Champions Trophy Final Qualification
As the Indian cricket team reaches the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, Bangladeshi fans are struck by silence rather than celebration. Many had hoped for India’s defeat, but their expectations were dashed by India’s performance against Australia. Simultaneously, while India enjoys support in Pakistan, jealousy festers in Bangladesh, highlighting the contrasting sentiments between cricketing communities in the region.
In Bangladesh, the recent ascension of the Indian cricket team to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai has been met with a pervasive silence among anti-India cricket fans. Many expected India to be defeated by Australia in the semi-finals; however, India’s exceptional performance thwarted those hopes, leading to a muted response from Bangladeshi fans, who have become accustomed to rivaling India. The anticipation for Pakistan to triumph over India also fell flat with Australia’s elimination, leaving these fans disheartened.
Reports indicate that the Bangladesh cricket community has displayed a stark contrast in their reactions to Indian victories compared to their own team’s failures. Following India’s unexpected loss in the ODI World Cup final in October 2023, celebrations erupted in Bangladesh. Conversely, the Indian team’s recent success has elicited nothing but silence and negative sentiments, with some alleging favoritism from the ICC in allowing India to play all its matches in Dubai.
The underlying animosity among Bangladeshi fans often overshadows their team’s shortcomings, especially when compared to India’s historical successes, including multiple ODI World Cup victories and T20 championships. Interestingly, India has gained a considerable fan base in Pakistan, with enthusiastic celebrations of Indian victories evident across major cities, highlighting a stark departure from the negative sentiment found in Bangladesh.
There is a notable legacy difference evident in the cricketing communities of the two countries. While Pakistan once recognized as a formidable team celebrates India’s achievements, Bangladesh appears to dwell in ungratefulness over its relationship with Indian cricket. Additionally, historical contributions to Bangladesh’s cricketing status by figures such as former ICC chairman Jagmohan Dalmya seem forgotten amidst current rivalries.
The Indian cricket team’s success in the ICC Champions Trophy has elicited a silent but revealing reaction among Bangladeshi fans, who hoped for India’s failure but found their hopes dashed. While India has garnered a supportive fan base in Pakistan, contrasting feelings of envy and resentment prevail in Bangladesh. This situation highlights the complexities of cricketing rivalries in South Asia, the influence of historical dynamics, and the veiling of gratefulness for past contributions to Bangladesh’s cricketing journey.
Original Source: tripurainfo.com
