India’s long-term ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games has come under scrutiny following a diplomatic and sporting fallout triggered by Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the men’s T20 World Cup, according to a report by The Guardian.
The incident has raised concerns within the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about the potential politicisation of sport and the risk of future boycotts.
Bangladesh pulled out of the T20 World Cup after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected its request to move group-stage matches from India to co-host Sri Lanka.
The dispute followed a deterioration in India–Bangladesh relations amid political tensions, which spilled over into cricket administration. Bangladesh cited security concerns, but the ICC—despite claiming institutional independence—maintained the original schedule. Scotland was subsequently drafted into the tournament as Bangladesh’s replacement.
The report suggests that the episode has drawn the attention of IOC officials at a sensitive moment for India. Having recently secured hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, India is actively positioning itself as a frontrunner for the 2036 Olympics, with Qatar viewed as a key rival.
However, IOC sources reportedly indicated that the organisation would find it “unthinkable” to award the Games to a country where geopolitical tensions could lead to boycotts by participating nations.
Unlike the ICC, the IOC enforces a strict separation between sport and political influence. The Olympic Charter mandates complete autonomy for sports bodies, while also prohibiting political or religious expression at the Games.
The Guardian notes that the IOC’s zero-tolerance stance was demonstrated recently when Indonesia was suspended from hosting discussions after denying visas to Israeli athletes for a world gymnastics event—effectively ending its own 2036 Olympic aspirations.
Cricket’s return to the Olympic programme at Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 further complicates matters. The IOC views cricket as a strategic addition to attract the Indian market, but sources stressed that commercial appeal would not override governance principles or political neutrality.
The report also mentions that for India to remain a credible Olympic host contender, it must demonstrate meaningful progress in stabilising sporting relations with neighbours such as Bangladesh and Pakistan. Without visible improvements, ongoing disputes in international cricket could become a significant obstacle to India’s Olympic bid.
