India and Bangladesh share one of the most intense rivalries in cricket. Though they aren’t traditional rivals like India and Pakistan, matches between India and Bangladesh have seen plenty of high-voltage moments, on-field drama, and controversies. Here’s a look at five major incidents that added extra spice to this cricketing rivalry.
1. The 2016 Asia Cup Final Uproar: Taskin Ahmed’s Viral Photo Sparks Controversy
Before the 2016 Asia Cup final in Mirpur, the rivalry between India and Bangladesh hit a boiling point off the field. A disturbing photo went viral on social media, showing Bangladesh’s pacer Taskin Ahmed holding a severed head of Indian captain MS Dhoni. Though the image was doctored, it caused a huge outrage in the cricketing world, particularly among Indian fans. The photo symbolized the fierce tension ahead of the final, and the atmosphere was already charged before a ball was bowled.
2. Rohit Sharma’s 2015 World Cup No Ball Controversy
One of the most talked-about incidents occurred during the 2015 ODI World Cup in Australia. During the quarterfinal match between India and Bangladesh, Rohit Sharma was caught off a full toss from Rubel Hossain, but umpire Aleem Dar ruled it a no-ball for being above waist height. The decision was borderline, and many felt it could have gone either way. Bangladesh’s hopes were dashed as Rohit went on to score 137 runs, leaving Bangladesh fans and players visibly frustrated. This controversial no-ball call still sparks debates.
3. MS Dhoni vs. Mustafizur Rahman Collision Incident in 2015
During India’s tour of Bangladesh in 2015, tension escalated during the first ODI. Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who was making his debut, repeatedly blocked the Indian batsmen while bowling. After clashing with Rohit Sharma, Mustafizur continued to get in the way, and when it was MS Dhoni’s turn, things got heated. As Dhoni was running between the wickets, Mustafizur came in his way again. Dhoni, clearly frustrated, pushed him aside, causing the bowler to fall to the ground. Dhoni was fined 75% of his match fee, while Mustafizur was penalized 50%.
4. Soumya Sarkar vs. Harshit Rana Clash – Emerging Asia Cup 2023
The semi-final match between India and Bangladesh in the Emerging Asia Cup 2023 saw tempers flare once again. Bangladesh’s bowlers were aggressively celebrating every Indian wicket. However, when the Indian players returned the favor, Bangladesh’s Soumya Sarkar didn’t take it well. After getting dismissed, Sarkar found himself in a heated argument with India’s Harshit Rana, which escalated quickly. It took the intervention of the umpires and other players to calm things down, preventing further escalation.
5. 2020 Under-19 World Cup Final – Heated Post-Match Altercation
The final of the 2020 Under-19 World Cup between India and Bangladesh was marred by unsportsmanlike behavior after the match. Bangladesh emerged victorious, defeating India in a thrilling final. However, the celebration turned ugly as Bangladeshi players allegedly hurled abuses and misbehaved with Indian players. The Indian team did not take it lightly, and both sides were involved in a verbal exchange, with bats and stumps in hand. This incident attracted criticism from cricket fans and experts alike, tarnishing the spirit of the game.
Rivalry Beyond the Game
The on-field rivalry between India and Bangladesh has often been intense and emotional. These five incidents show that while the game of cricket is celebrated, the fierce competition between these two nations often leads to heightened tensions. Both teams have tremendous talent, and the rivalry is expected to continue, with both sides giving their all on the field.
With both countries being passionate about cricket, such controversies seem inevitable, but they also add to the rich history of this competitive rivalry.
