Archive · 11 Jan 2026
India-Pakistan-Bangladesh Cricket Bonds: From Friendship to Politics
A long time ago, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh were good friends in cricket.
They played together, supported each other, and even worked together to change the rules of the game.
They brought the World Cup to their countries and made cricket more popular in Asia.
But over time, their friendship changed because of politics and wars.
Now, they don't play as much together, and cricket is not just about sports anymore.
It's also about power and money.
The writer is sad that the old friendships are gone and hopes they can come back.
India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh had strong cricketing bonds in the 1980s and 1990s, with players and officials often socializing and supporting each other.
The 1983 World Cup victory by India marked a turning point, leading to a joint bid by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to host the 1987 World Cup, which changed the power dynamics in cricket.
Key figures like NKP Salve and Nur Khan worked together to bring the World Cup to the sub-continent, despite political and military tensions between their countries.
The success of the 1987 World Cup in Asia highlighted the financial potential of cricket in the region, leading to India's growing influence and wealth in the sport.
Over time, political tensions and nationalistic allegiances have strained cricketing relationships, with India now dominating cricket governance and forgetting its past bonds with neighbors.
- Who
- India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh cricket boards and players
- What
- The evolution and deterioration of cricketing relationships and the political influence on the sport
- When
- Primarily in the 1980s and 1990s, with ongoing impacts
- Where
- South Asia, particularly India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
- Why
- Due to political tensions, nationalistic allegiances, and shifting power dynamics in cricket governance
- Countries Involved
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
- Time Period Discussed
- 1980s and 1990s
- Key Figures
- NKP Salve, Nur Khan, Jagmohan Dalmiya
- Significant Event
- India winning the 1983 World Cup
- Impact of 1987 World Cup
- Shift in cricket power dynamics, financial growth for India
- Current Status
- Strained cricket relations, political influence on sports
