![Delhi High Court rejects Bangladesh ban PIL [Image Credits: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768987132034_DelhiHighCourtrejectsBangladeshbanPIL.jpg?type=hq)
Delhi High Court rejects Bangladesh ban PIL [Image Credits: X]
In a major twist to the Bangladesh–International Cricket Council tussle over the T20 World Cup 2026 venue, a law student from India filed a public interest litigation seeking directions to ban Bangladesh from all international cricket competitions.
The PIL was filed in response to alleged violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. However, the division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia firmly ruled against the petition, raising serious concerns over its maintainability.
Law student demands complete ban on Bangladesh
Although the petitioner sought a complete ban on Bangladesh from major international tournaments, the court noted that the relief sought involved matters of foreign policy and international relations, which fall squarely within the domain of the executive.
At the outset of the hearing, the bench observed that courts cannot be asked to take policy decisions involving foreign nations, nor can they conduct inquiries beyond Indian jurisdiction.
Despite this, the petitioner remained adamant and insisted on issuing writs to the foreign cricket board of Bangladesh.
The Chief Justice, however, clarified that writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution cannot be extended to foreign governments, international sporting bodies, or cricket boards of other countries. As a result, the PIL was held to be non-maintainable and effectively rendered null and void.
Court rejects Bangladesh ban plea
The court also noted that the petitioner had sought directions against the International Cricket Council, as well as the Bangladesh and Sri Lanka cricket boards, over which Indian courts do not possess any writ jurisdiction.
The bench further observed that such litigation amounted to a misuse of PIL jurisdiction and warned that high costs could be imposed for wasting valuable judicial time.
Additionally, the court rejected the petitioner’s attempt to rely on a judgment of a Pakistani court, stating that Indian constitutional courts do not follow Pakistani jurisprudence. Facing sustained objections and issues regarding the validity and maintainability of the petition, the petitioner eventually withdrew the PIL.
What happened between Bangladesh and India?
The filing of the PIL appears to have been influenced by the ongoing unrest surrounding the Bangladesh–India dispute, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board has expressed reluctance to send its players to India for the T20 World Cup 2026, citing safety concerns.
With rising anti-Muslim and anti-Islam sentiments on Indian social media, along with alleged threats from religious and political leaders, Bangladesh has indicated a preference to play its matches in Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-host.
This issue emerged after a Hindu was mob lynched in Bangladesh, and Bangladesh pace veteran Mustafizur Rahman was ousted from the Indian Premier League 2026 and the Kolkata Knight Riders team.
Hence, as a protest as well as a demand for safety, Bangladesh sent formal requests to the ICC to shift their venues for the T20 World Cup 2026.
However, the ICC, citing logistical challenges, has reportedly issued an ultimatum to Bangladesh, asking them to confirm whether they will play their matches in India. Failure to respond by January 21 could result in the ICC considering a substitute nation, such as Scotland, for the tournament.
