Bangladeshi cricketers may soon be forced to change bat sponsors after renowned Indian sports company Sanspareils Greenlands (SG) has reportedly opted not to renew their partnership, citing rising cricketing and diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries.

The instability between the two Asian nations began after the IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders removed Bangladesh elite spinner Mustafizur Rehman from their lineup in response to a BCCI mandate.

Following the pacer's release, the Bangladesh Cricket Board initially declined to issue a no-objection certificate to Mustafizur for participation in the IPL.

 It has asked the ICC to move its matches in the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7th, from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.

Top players from Bangladesh, like captain Litton Das, Yasir Rabbi Ali, and Mominul Haque, are presently sponsored by the Indian sports brand SG. The players' agents have alluded to SG's decision not to extend the contract, but the players have not been formally told.

"It looks like that is likely to be the case in the coming days,” one of the Bangladeshi cricketers told telecomasia.net.

SG's boycott move could hurt the Bangladesh sports industry, as other manufacturers are also likely to follow suit.

"I think other manufacturers also might opt not to sponsor our cricketers," a source involved in player sponsorships told telecomasia.net.

Following an emergency meeting on January 4, the BCB formally asked the ICC to reschedule Bangladesh's matches in order to protect players and officials.

Bangladesh is scheduled to play matches against the West Indies, Italy, and England in Kolkata on February 7, 9, and 14, respectively, before a final group fixture against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

ICC is yet to decide on shifting the Bangladesh team’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches to Sri Lanka despite the BCB sending two communications to them.

(IANS inputs)