A simmering dispute between the neighbors, who share one of the largest land borders in the world, has escalated with diplomatic protests and a sports boycott.

Bangladesh's anti-India sentiment, long an undercurrent shaped by history, geography and political rivalry, has intensified over the past decade as Sheikh Hasina's rule became increasingly identified with New Delhi's backing.

The highlights this week: A cricket spat underscores heightened India-Bangladesh tensions, South Asian governments respond to the U.S. military operation in Venezuela with caution, and former Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli signals cooperation with an investigation into a deadly crackdown on protests last year.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi says all branches of the country’s armed forces have communication channels open with Bangladesh in order to “avoid misunderstandings”. He made the remarks on Wednesday during an annual press conference of the Indian Armed Forces in New Delhi.

Within days, Mustafizur signed up for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) protested sharply, the IPL broadcast was banned in Bangladesh, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) – the body that governs the sport globally – was pulled into a diplomatic standoff.

Cricket seems set to bear the full impact of the escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh. TOI has learnt that India’s leading crick.

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has criticised the BCB director M Najmul Islam for calling Tamim Iqbal 'India's agent'. Shanto also revealed that the ongoing dispute over security concerns for the T20 World Cup in India is affecting players' morale ahead of the tournament.