Following India’s qualifier for the ICC Champions Trophy final, a notable silence prevailed among cricket fans in Bangladesh, marked by envy and disappointment. Many had hoped for India’s elimination but were thwarted by India’s strong performance. The contrasting reactions from the fans in Bangladesh and Pakistan reveal a significant divide in sentiments concerning cricketing successes and historical relationships between the nations.
A notable silence enveloped cricket enthusiasts in Bangladesh following India’s advancement to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, which took place recently. Many Bangladeshi fans, known for their disdain towards India, had anticipated that the Indian team would falter against Australia in the semi-finals. However, India’s impressive performance ensured their progression to the finals, disappointing many who wished for a different outcome.
The sentiments among Bangladeshi fans have been described as steeped in envy, particularly following India’s previous triumph over their team during a group match in Dubai. Some fans had pinned their hopes on Pakistan to eliminate India, but with Australia’s exit, those prospects vanished, leaving behind only a silent frustration. Observers noted, “Such is the malignant jealousy of these petty people that they do not care much about humiliations suffered by Bangladesh in any match but find a vicarious gratification from defeat suffered by India.”
The contrast in attitudes became evident when India lost the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad in October 2023, prompting celebrations in Bangladesh, complete with processions and fireworks. This reaction starkly contrasted with the muted response from Bangladeshis when India won the T-20 World Cup the previous year in the USA. Sources mentioned that grievances have arisen concerning perceived favoritism from the ICC, as India played all its matches in Dubai.
Moreover, historical accomplishments of Indian cricket often appear to be overlooked by Bangladeshi fans. India has clinched the ODI World Cup twice—in 1983 and 2011—and reached the finals in 2003 and most recently in 2023. Additionally, India is the inaugural T-20 World Cup champion and the most recent titleholder from last year, achievements that some fans in Bangladesh seem to disregard.
Interestingly, the Indian cricket team has garnered support from many Pakistani cricket lovers, who celebrated India’s victories against teams such as Bangladesh and New Zealand. The occurrence of Indian flags and images of prominent players displayed openly across Pakistani cities affirms this unexpected camaraderie, revealing a stark contrast with sentiments in Bangladesh. This admiration might highlight a broader narrative of cricketing respect versus regional envy, particularly given India’s historical role in facilitating Bangladesh’s entry into the ICC during the late 1990s, a fact seemingly forgotten by current-day critics.
In summary, the muted reaction from Bangladeshi cricket fans regarding India’s progression in the ICC Champions Trophy reflects deep-seated rivalries and a preoccupation with India’s successes. While some Bangladeshis harbor envy, there are surprising instances of support for Indian cricket among Pakistani fans, illustrating varying attitudes within the cricketing community. Additionally, India’s accomplishments on the world stage are often overlooked by its critics in Bangladesh, sometimes overshadowed by a historical context that is not readily acknowledged. Overall, the dynamics of cricketing rivalries in this region encapsulate a complex interplay of admiration, jealousy, and national pride.
Original Source: tripurainfo.com
