A test for humanity: Indian cricket’s chance to highlight atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh

In recent years, sporting events have transcended their traditional roles and become powerful platforms to raise awareness about human rights violations and societal injustices. From the global attention garnered by the Black Lives Matter movement to the symbolic protests during the Beijing Olympics, athletes and sports organizations have shown that they can bring critical issues to light that go beyond the field of play. With the Bangladesh cricket team visiting India for a Test cricket series, why shouldn’t the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian cricket team take a stand against the ongoing atrocities faced by Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh? Just as sports have historically been used to highlight social and political causes, this series could serve as a platform to draw international attention to the plight of Bangladesh’s marginalized communities.

Historically, sports have been instrumental in raising awareness for social issues. One of the most iconic moments came during the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, when American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in the air in a Black Power salute to protest racial discrimination in the United States. More recently, the Black Lives Matter movement has taken center stage at numerous sporting events worldwide, with athletes taking a knee in solidarity against racial injustice. Similarly, the Palestinian cause has also found support at various international sporting events, with athletes and teams using their platforms to draw attention to the ongoing human rights violations in the region.

Boycotts have also been part of this history, with the boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics being one of the most notable examples. In protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, more than 60 countries, led by the United States, refused to participate in the games. This action highlighted the important role that sport can play in challenging political decisions and raising global awareness.

Given these examples, the BCCI and the Indian cricket team have a precedent to follow in using sport as a tool to draw attention to pressing human rights issues in Bangladesh. The current Bangladesh cricket series provides a timely opportunity to make a global statement about the atrocities being committed against Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh.

The plight of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh has been a source of grave concern for many years. Reports of targeted killings, rape of women, and desecration of Hindu temples have repeatedly surfaced. These horrific acts continue to occur, often without significant international attention. Minority communities in Bangladesh are systematically persecuted, making them vulnerable to violence and exploitation.

In recent years, there have been several incidents of attacks on Hindu temples and disruption of religious festivals. These attacks are not isolated incidents, but part of a larger pattern of religious intolerance. Women in particular have been targeted for sexual violence, with many cases of rape going unreported or unpunished. Such acts of terror have created a climate of fear and helplessness among Bangladesh’s Hindu population, who have become increasingly marginalized in the predominantly Muslim nation.

The BCCI, as one of the most influential cricket boards in the world, and the Indian cricket team, with its global fan base, are in a unique position to draw attention to this issue. Just as athletes around the world have taken a stand against injustice, Indian cricketers can show solidarity with the persecuted Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh.

A powerful way to do this would be through symbolic gestures during the cricket series. The team could wear black armbands to symbolize mourning for the victims of violence. Players could observe a moment of silence before the start of the match to honor the Hindus and minorities who have suffered in Bangladesh. These actions, while symbolic, would send a strong message to the international community and media, drawing attention to the atrocities that have gone unreported for too long.

In recent times, it has become common for Pakistani and Bangladeshi Muslim cricketers to begin their Man of the Match speeches or media interactions with Islamic greetings, invoking the name of Allah. This expression of faith is accepted and respected on the world stage. It raises a pertinent question: can’t Indian cricketers similarly express solidarity with their Hindu brothers and sisters in Bangladesh, who face horrific violence and persecution? Briefly mentioning these atrocities in their Man of the Match acceptance speeches could shine a much-needed spotlight on the plight of minorities in Bangladesh, and remind the world of the importance of standing up for justice and humanity. Isn’t it time Indian sports figures also use their platforms to speak out, just as others have done for their causes?

Furthermore, the BCCI could issue statements highlighting the plight of minorities in Bangladesh and use its platform to amplify the voices of the oppressed. Just as the English Premier League and NBA have supported the Black Lives Matter movement, the BCCI can use its influence to raise global awareness about the situation in Bangladesh.NBA

The Indian cricket community can draw inspiration from global sporting movements. The way athletes came together to protest racial injustice during the Black Lives Matter movement should serve as a model for how Indian cricketers can address this issue. The boycott of the Beijing Olympics also shows how sports can challenge political actions and human rights violations on the global stage.

By making this Test series about more than just cricket, the Indian cricket team and the BCCI have an opportunity to raise international awareness about the persecution of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh. This series can serve as a reminder that the world of sport is not isolated from the world of politics and human rights. Cricket, a unifying force in the subcontinent, can be a powerful tool to draw attention to the need for justice and peace for minorities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus.

In a world where sporting events increasingly serve as platforms for social justice, the current Test cricket series between India and Bangladesh should not be limited to just on-field competition. It can and should be used to draw global attention to the atrocities being committed against Hindus, the minority in Bangladesh. The BCCI and the Indian cricket team have an unparalleled opportunity to show solidarity with the victims, raise awareness and use the power of sport to advocate for justice, following in the footsteps of other global sporting movements. Through symbolic gestures and public statements, they must show the world that cricket is not just a game but a vehicle for real change.