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SG Cuts Bangladesh Cricket Sponsorship Amid Mustafizur, IPL Row

Leading Indian sports manufacturer SG has decided not to renew its sponsorship contracts with top Bangladesh cricketers. This development follows escalating tensions after the BCCI-directed release of bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL and the Bangladesh Cricket Board's subsequent actions. The BCB has formally requested the ICC to shift Bangladesh's T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. The sponsorship boycott could expand, potentially hurting Bangladesh's sports industry if other manufacturers follow SG's lead.

Key Points: SG Ends Sponsorship of Bangladesh Cricketers

  • SG ends player sponsorship
  • Tension from Mustafizur IPL release
  • BCB requested ICC move World Cup matches
  • BCB cited security concerns for India
  • Other sponsors may follow SG
2 min read

Bangladesh cricketers to lose SG sponsorship amid Mustafizur row

SG stops sponsoring Bangladesh players amid tensions over Mustafizur Rahman's IPL release and BCB's World Cup venue request to ICC.

"It looks like that is likely to be the case in the coming days - Bangladeshi cricketer"

Dhaka, Jan 9

Bangladesh cricketers could soon be forced to switch bat sponsors after leading Indian sports manufacturer SG decided not to continue its association, amid escalating cricketing and diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring nations.

The turbulence between the two Asian nations started when IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh premier bowler Mustafizur Rehman from their squad, following a directive from the BCCI.

After the pacer's release, the Bangladesh Cricket Board first refused to grant a no-objection certificate to Mustafizur for playing in the IPL. It also requested the ICC to shift its matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to start on 7th February, from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.

India's sports manufacturer SG currently sponsors Bangladesh's top players, including captain Litton Das, Yasir Rabbi and Mominul Haque. The players have not been officially informed about SG's decision not to renew the contract, but their agents have hinted at the development.

"It looks like that is likely to be the case in the coming days," one of the Bangladeshi cricketer was quoted as saying by www.telecomasia.net.

SG's boycott move could hurt the Bangladesh sports industry, as other manufacturers are also likely to follow suit.

"I think other manufacturers also might opt not to sponsor our cricketers," a source involved in player sponsorships told www.telecomasia.net

The BCB had approached the ICC after holding an emergency meeting on January 4, formally requesting that Bangladesh's fixtures be moved to ensure the safety of players and officials.

While the ICC decision on shifting Bangladesh Cricket Team matches to Sri Lanka for the T20 World Cup 2026 is still pending, the Asian team is currently slated to feature in Group C of the tournament. Bangladesh is scheduled to play matches against West Indies, Italy and England in Kolkata on February 7, 9 and 14, respectively, before a final group fixture against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I find the BCB's security concerns puzzling. India has hosted countless international events safely. This feels less about security and more about a political tit-for-tat. SG's decision is just a business consequence.
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Vikram M
Honestly, SG is an Indian company. If the Bangladesh board is creating unnecessary drama and trying to move World Cup matches from India, why should an Indian brand sponsor their players? It's a simple question of national interest. BCB started this.
A
Ananya R
The real victims here are the Bangladeshi players like Litton Das. They lose out on good sponsorship because of board-level politics. Hope better sense prevails soon. We share so much culture and love for cricket, this friction is unnecessary.
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Michael C
From a business perspective, SG's move is understandable. You can't sponsor athletes from a board that is actively lobbying against hosting events in your home country. It's a bad look. The BCCI directive on Mustafizur might have been harsh, but the reaction was disproportionate.
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Priya S
Feeling disappointed. As an Indian, I have always cheered for Bangladesh as our cricket-loving neighbor. This petty back-and-forth helps no one. The ICC should step in and mediate. Let's focus on the game, yaar!

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