Web Desk: Amidst political tension and deteriorating relations between India and Bangladesh, the Indian companies are limiting their business ties with Bangladesh and withdrawing sponsorships from players. According to a report several major Bangladeshi cricketers are now at risk of losing their sponsorship agreements. It states that the Indian cricket equipment manufacturer SG, which sponsors several prominent batsmen including current Bangladesh T20I captain Litton Das, has halted the renewal process of sponsorship contracts. The report says this decision was taken following rising political and cricket-related tensions between India and Bangladesh.
Not only this, according to the report, another Indian sports apparel and equipment manufacturer, Sareen Sports Industries (SSI), has also decided to stop producing its products in Bangladesh.
Previously, the company used to manufacture goods on a large scale in Bangladeshi factories, which benefited local industries and workers, but this supply chain has now almost completely collapsed. Indian media reported that sponsorship agreements with Bangladeshi players were in the renewal phase, but due to the current situation, the process has been deliberately slowed down.
When conditions in Bangladesh began to worsen, Sareen Sports terminated sponsorship contracts with four to five major Bangladeshi cricketers last year. However, it was also stated that the situation could change if relations between the two countries improve.
This Indian policy could further worsen Bangladesh’s financial problems. The issue is no longer limited to player sponsorships but has expanded to the supply and manufacturing of sports equipment. For the past six months, SG has also stopped the distribution of its cricket-related products in Bangladesh.
Previously, sportswear and other equipment manufactured in Bangladeshi factories were exported in large quantities to India, from where they were supplied to SG and other Indian companies. However, this supply line has been almost completely dried up for nearly a year, causing severe losses to Bangladeshi industry, workers and players.
India’s use of business and sports sectors as tool of political pressure amounts to a direct attack on Bangladesh’s economy.
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