Mustafizur Controversy Could Cost Bangladesh Cricketers Their SG Sponsorship
Indian sports gear giant reportedly set to end association amid rising cricket and diplomatic tensions
Dhaka: Bangladesh cricketers may soon be forced to switch bat sponsors, as leading Indian sports manufacturing company SG has reportedly decided not to continue its association with players from Bangladesh amid escalating cricketing and diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
The dispute began after IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh’s premier pacer Mustafizur Rahman following directions from the BCCI.
After the pacer’s release, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) initially refused to issue a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to Mustafizur for participating in the IPL. The board also approached the ICC, requesting that Bangladesh’s matches in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7, be shifted from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.
Indian sports equipment manufacturer SG currently sponsors several top Bangladesh players, including captain Litton Das, Yasir Rabbi, and Mominul Haque. While players have not been officially informed about SG’s decision not to renew contracts, their agents have indicated that such a move is likely.
A Bangladeshi cricketer was quoted by www.telecomasia.net as saying, “It seems likely that this will happen in the coming days.”
SG’s decision to withdraw sponsorship could deal a blow to Bangladesh’s sports industry, as other manufacturers may follow suit.
A source linked to player sponsorships told www.telecomasia.net, “I believe other manufacturers may also choose not to sponsor our cricketers.”
Following an emergency meeting on January 4, the BCB formally approached the ICC, requesting that Bangladesh’s matches be relocated to ensure the safety of players and officials.
While the ICC’s decision on shifting Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches to Sri Lanka is still pending, the Asian side is currently placed in Group C of the tournament. Bangladesh are scheduled to play West Indies, Italy, and England on February 7, 9, and 14 respectively in Kolkata, before facing Nepal in their final group match on February 17 in Mumbai.
