Stuck between two opposing sides or problems (like politics and sports)
SubjectWho/What
India’s cricketing ties with its subcontinental neighbours
India’s cricket relationships with nearby countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh
VerbWhat is happening
are
Are currently in a certain state
AdjunctAdditional info
in a free fall
Declining or getting worse very quickly without any control
Sentence 2 of 17
English Original
If border tensions with Pakistan and the scourge of terrorism affected sporting links across the Wagah,turbulence within Bangladesh and extreme reactions to it within India,have turned out to beanother stumbling block.
If border tensions with Pakistan and the scourge of terrorism affected sporting links across the Wagah
Just as problems with Pakistan and terrorism stopped sports at the border
SubjectWho/What
turbulence within Bangladesh and extreme reactions to it within India
The political unrest in Bangladesh and the very strong Indian response to it
VerbWhat is happening
have turned out to be
Have become or resulted in
ComplementCompletes meaning
another stumbling block
Another problem or obstacle that stops progress
Sentence 3 of 17
English Original
The ghastly lynching of members of the minority Hindu community in Bangladeshdrewrightful condemnationacross the Indian landscape,andyetthe reflexive sporting churnshould have been avoided.
Simple Past & Past ModalS + V + O + Adjunct + Connector + S + VMain ClauseCompound Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
SubjectWho/What
The ghastlylynching of members of the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh
The terrible and violent killing of Hindu people in Bangladesh by a mob
VerbWhat is happening
drew
Caused or brought about a reaction
ObjectWhat receives action
rightful condemnation
Correct and justified criticism or blame
AdjunctAdditional info
across the Indian landscape
All over India or among all Indian people
SubjectWho/What
the reflexive sporting churn
The automatic and sudden changes in sports (like banning players) as a reaction
VerbWhat is happening
should have been avoided
Was something that ought not to have happened
Context and Background
Violence against Minorities in Bangladesh (2025)
In late 2025, Bangladesh saw a surge in mob violence targeting the Hindu minority, including the high-profile lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in December. These incidents drew sharp criticism from the Indian government and civil society, leading to increased diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Sentence 4 of 17
English Original
In a social media age wherein violence and insults tend to get amplified,the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),respondedprematurelyin forcing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release its Bangladeshi left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman.
In a social media age wherein violence and insults tend to get amplified
In today’s world of social media, where hate and violence are often made to look much bigger and worse
SubjectWho/What
the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
The main organization that manages cricket in India
VerbWhat is happening
responded
Acted or reacted to a situation
AdjunctAdditional info
prematurely
Too early; before the right time or before having all the facts
AdjunctAdditional info
in forcing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release its Bangladeshi left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman
By making the KKR team let go of their Bangladeshi bowler, Mustafizur Rahman
Context and Background
BCCI
In early January 2026, the BCCI reportedly advised the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman. This move was seen as a reaction to the ongoing political tensions and reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, leading to a diplomatic and sporting standoff.
Sentence 5 of 17
English Original
That the Indian Premier League (IPL) is only commencing on March 26 and much water would have flowed down by then in the Ganges and the Padma,was loston the officials.
That the Indian Premier League (IPL) is only commencing on March 26 and much water would have flowed down by then in the Ganges and the Padma
The fact that the IPL starts only on March 26, and a lot of time will pass and things might change by then in both India and Bangladesh
VerbWhat is happening
was lost
Was not understood, noticed, or considered
AdjunctAdditional info
on the officials
By the people in charge (BCCI officials)
Context and Background
IPL 2026 Schedule
The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is scheduled to begin on March 26. The editorial argues that since the tournament is still months away, the BCCI’s decision to release a player in early January was hasty, as political situations can change over time.
Sentence 6 of 17
English Original
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)wasquickin its rejoinder.
The organization that manages cricket in Bangladesh
VerbWhat is happening
was
Existed in a certain state
ComplementCompletes meaning
quick
Fast or immediate
AdjunctAdditional info
in its rejoinder
In its reply or response to the BCCI’s action
Sentence 7 of 17
English Original
A security threat to its squadwas propped upas an excuseanda missivewas sentto the International Cricket Council (ICC)to relocate Bangladesh’s games in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup, away from host India.
Simple Past PassiveS + V + Adjunct + Connector + S + V + Indirect Object + AdjunctCompound SentenceCompound-Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
SubjectWho/What
A security threat to its squad
A claim that their cricket team was in danger
VerbWhat is happening
was propped up
Was used or presented as a support or justification
AdjunctAdditional info
as an excuse
As a fake reason to hide the real motive
SubjectWho/What
a missive
An official or formal letter
VerbWhat is happening
was sent
Was delivered or dispatched
Indirect ObjectTo/For whom
to the International Cricket Council (ICC)
To the global governing body for cricket
AdjunctAdditional info
to relocate Bangladesh’s games in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup, away from host India
To move Bangladesh’s matches in the next World Cup from India to another country
Context and Background
BCB
In January 2026, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially wrote to the ICC expressing concerns about the safety of its players in India. Citing ‘hostile conditions’ and potential security threats following the diplomatic fallout, the BCB requested that Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup be moved to a neutral venue, preferably Sri Lanka or the UAE.
Sentence 8 of 17
English Original
Bangladeshalsoproposeda ban on the telecast of the IPL in the country.
With the T20 World Cup launching on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka
Since the T20 World Cup starts on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka
SubjectWho/What
a last minute scrambling for venues
Trying to find or change match locations at the very last moment
VerbWhat is happening
will be
Will exist in a certain state in the future
ComplementCompletes meaning
difficult
Hard or not easy to do
Context and Background
ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin in February 2026. Changing venues at the last minute for a major international tournament involves massive logistical challenges, including security, broadcasting, and ticketing arrangements.
Sentence 10 of 17
English Original
Incidentally,Pakistan’s gamesare slottedin Sri Lankaandeven its big contest against Indiawill be stagedat Colombo on February 15.
Present & Future PassiveAdjunct + S + V + Adjunct + Connector + S + V + Adjunct + AdjunctCompound SentenceCompound Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
AdjunctAdditional info
Incidentally
By the way; used to add a related piece of information
SubjectWho/What
Pakistan’s games
The matches that the Pakistan team will play
VerbWhat is happening
are slotted
Are scheduled or assigned to a specific time or place
AdjunctAdditional info
in Sri Lanka
In the country of Sri Lanka
SubjectWho/What
even its big contest against India
Even their very important and highly anticipated match against India
VerbWhat is happening
will be staged
Will be organized or held
AdjunctAdditional info
at Colombo on February 15
In the city of Colombo on February 15
Sentence 11 of 17
English Original
With Bangladesh set to play four preliminary league games in India,a reallocationwill affecthosting logistics.
The ties that bind India and Bangladesh, a nation birthed through the assistance of the former in 1971
The relationships and connections that hold India and Bangladesh together, especially since India helped create Bangladesh in 1971
AdjunctAdditional info
now
At the present time
VerbWhat is happening
stand
Are in a particular state or condition
ComplementCompletes meaning
frayed
Becoming weak, damaged, or strained (like a rope starting to break)
Context and Background
India-Bangladesh Relations (1971)
Bangladesh was created in 1971 after the Bangladesh Liberation War, in which India provided critical military and diplomatic support to help the country gain independence from Pakistan. This shared history has traditionally been the foundation of their strong bilateral ties.
Sentence 14 of 17
English Original
Diplomacyisa complex interplay of adjustment and pragmatism.
The activity of managing relationships between countries
VerbWhat is happening
is
Exists as
ComplementCompletes meaning
a complex interplay of adjustment and pragmatism
A complicated mix of changing to fit new situations and being practical instead of just following strict rules
Sentence 15 of 17
English Original
The deposed former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinasought refuge and was granted onein Delhi,whilethe Indian governmentalsopaid its last respectsto her arch-rival and former Prime Minister, the late Khaleda Zia.
Simple PastS + V + Adjunct + Connector + S + Adjunct + V + Indirect ObjectCompound SentenceCompound Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
SubjectWho/What
The deposed former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
The former leader of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who was removed from power
VerbWhat is happening
sought refuge and was granted one
Asked for a safe place to stay and was given one
AdjunctAdditional info
in Delhi
In India’s capital city
SubjectWho/What
the Indian government
The central government of India
AdjunctAdditional info
also
In addition; at the same time
VerbWhat is happening
paid its last respects
Showed honor and respect to a person who has died
Indirect ObjectTo/For whom
to her arch-rival and former Prime Minister, the late Khaleda Zia
To her main political enemy and another former leader, Khaleda Zia, who recently died
Context and Background
Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia
Sheikh Hasina (Awami League) and Khaleda Zia (BNP) were the two most powerful women in Bangladesh’s politics, often called the ‘Battling Begums’ due to their intense rivalry. Hasina fled to India in August 2024 after mass protests, while Khaleda Zia, who had been under house arrest and ill for years, passed away in December 2025.
Sentence 16 of 17
English Original
The ICC chairman, Jay Shah,hasan unenviable task of maintaining neutrality while dealing with the present crisis.
The head of the International Cricket Council, Jay Shah
VerbWhat is happening
has
Possesses or is faced with
ObjectWhat receives action
an unenviable task of maintaining neutrality while dealing with the present crisis
A very difficult and unpleasant job of staying neutral and not taking sides while handling the current problem
Context and Background
Jay Shah as ICC Chairman
Jay Shah, the former Secretary of the BCCI, took over as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in December 2024. His position is particularly sensitive in the current crisis, as he must balance his past association with Indian cricket administration with his new role as a neutral global leader responsible for resolving disputes between member boards like the BCCI and BCB.
Sentence 17 of 17
English Original
The shrill reactions on either side of the borderneed to be tempered;sportshould not be handcuffedby political compulsions.
Simple Present PassiveS + V + Connector + S + V + AdjunctCompound SentenceCompound Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
SubjectWho/What
The shrill reactions on either side of the border
The loud and extreme responses from both India and Bangladesh
VerbWhat is happening
need to be tempered
Need to be made less extreme, more balanced, or calmer
SubjectWho/What
sport
The activity of sports (like cricket)
VerbWhat is happening
should not be handcuffed
Should not be restricted, controlled, or stopped
AdjunctAdditional info
by political compulsions
By political problems, pressures, or requirements
Context and Background
Separating Sports from Politics
The editorial concludes by emphasizing that sports, particularly cricket in the subcontinent, should transcend political and diplomatic conflicts. It calls for a more balanced and less emotional approach from both Indian and Bangladeshi authorities to preserve the integrity of the game.
Sentence 1 of 17
Sentence 1 of 17
Caught in a crossfire,India’s cricketing ties with its subcontinental neighboursarein a free fall.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Caught in a crossfire
Stuck between two opposing sides or problems (like politics and sports)
Subject
India’s cricketing ties with its subcontinental neighbours
India’s cricket relationships with nearby countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh
Verb
are
Are currently in a certain state
Adjunct
in a free fall
Declining or getting worse very quickly without any control
Sentence 2 of 17
If border tensions with Pakistan and the scourge of terrorism affected sporting links across the Wagah,turbulence within Bangladesh and extreme reactions to it within India,have turned out to beanother stumbling block.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
If border tensions with Pakistan and the scourge of terrorism affected sporting links across the Wagah
Just as problems with Pakistan and terrorism stopped sports at the border
Subject
turbulence within Bangladesh and extreme reactions to it within India
The political unrest in Bangladesh and the very strong Indian response to it
Verb
have turned out to be
Have become or resulted in
Complement
another stumbling block
Another problem or obstacle that stops progress
Sentence 3 of 17
The ghastly lynching of members of the minority Hindu community in Bangladeshdrewrightful condemnationacross the Indian landscape,andyetthe reflexive sporting churnshould have been avoided.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The ghastly lynching of members of the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh
The terrible and violent killing of Hindu people in Bangladesh by a mob
Verb
drew
Caused or brought about a reaction
Object
rightful condemnation
Correct and justified criticism or blame
Adjunct
across the Indian landscape
All over India or among all Indian people
Subject
the reflexive sporting churn
The automatic and sudden changes in sports (like banning players) as a reaction
Verb
should have been avoided
Was something that ought not to have happened
Sentence 4 of 17
In a social media age wherein violence and insults tend to get amplified,the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),respondedprematurelyin forcing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release its Bangladeshi left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In a social media age wherein violence and insults tend to get amplified
In today’s world of social media, where hate and violence are often made to look much bigger and worse
Subject
the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
The main organization that manages cricket in India
Verb
responded
Acted or reacted to a situation
Adjunct
prematurely
Too early; before the right time or before having all the facts
Adjunct
in forcing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release its Bangladeshi left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman
By making the KKR team let go of their Bangladeshi bowler, Mustafizur Rahman
Sentence 5 of 17
That the Indian Premier League (IPL) is only commencing on March 26 and much water would have flowed down by then in the Ganges and the Padma,was loston the officials.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
That the Indian Premier League (IPL) is only commencing on March 26 and much water would have flowed down by then in the Ganges and the Padma
The fact that the IPL starts only on March 26, and a lot of time will pass and things might change by then in both India and Bangladesh
Verb
was lost
Was not understood, noticed, or considered
Adjunct
on the officials
By the people in charge (BCCI officials)
Sentence 6 of 17
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)wasquickin its rejoinder.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)
The organization that manages cricket in Bangladesh
Verb
was
Existed in a certain state
Complement
quick
Fast or immediate
Adjunct
in its rejoinder
In its reply or response to the BCCI’s action
Sentence 7 of 17
A security threat to its squadwas propped upas an excuseanda missivewas sentto the International Cricket Council (ICC)to relocate Bangladesh’s games in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup, away from host India.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
A security threat to its squad
A claim that their cricket team was in danger
Verb
was propped up
Was used or presented as a support or justification
Adjunct
as an excuse
As a fake reason to hide the real motive
Subject
a missive
An official or formal letter
Verb
was sent
Was delivered or dispatched
Indirect Object
to the International Cricket Council (ICC)
To the global governing body for cricket
Adjunct
to relocate Bangladesh’s games in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup, away from host India
To move Bangladesh’s matches in the next World Cup from India to another country
Sentence 8 of 17
Bangladeshalsoproposeda ban on the telecast of the IPL in the country.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Bangladesh
The country (referring to its cricket board or government)
Adjunct
also
Additionally; in addition to other actions
Verb
proposed
Suggested or put forward a plan
Object
a ban on the telecast of the IPL in the country
A rule to stop showing IPL cricket matches on TV in Bangladesh
Sentence 9 of 17
With the T20 World Cup launching on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka,a last minute scrambling for venueswill bedifficult.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
With the T20 World Cup launching on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka
Since the T20 World Cup starts on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka
Subject
a last minute scrambling for venues
Trying to find or change match locations at the very last moment
Verb
will be
Will exist in a certain state in the future
Complement
difficult
Hard or not easy to do
Sentence 10 of 17
Incidentally,Pakistan’s gamesare slottedin Sri Lankaandeven its big contest against Indiawill be stagedat Colombo on February 15.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Incidentally
By the way; used to add a related piece of information
Subject
Pakistan’s games
The matches that the Pakistan team will play
Verb
are slotted
Are scheduled or assigned to a specific time or place
Adjunct
in Sri Lanka
In the country of Sri Lanka
Subject
even its big contest against India
Even their very important and highly anticipated match against India
Verb
will be staged
Will be organized or held
Adjunct
at Colombo on February 15
In the city of Colombo on February 15
Sentence 11 of 17
With Bangladesh set to play four preliminary league games in India,a reallocationwill affecthosting logistics.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
With Bangladesh set to play four preliminary league games in India
Since Bangladesh is scheduled to play four early-round matches in India
Subject
a reallocation
Moving these matches to a different city or country
Verb
will affect
Will have an impact on or cause a change in
Object
hosting logistics
The practical arrangements and planning needed to organize the matches
Sentence 12 of 17
Thisisa conundrumthat could have been avoided had the BCCI waited for the hostile tide to turn.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
This
This situation (the problem with match locations and logistics)
Verb
is
Exists as
Complement
a conundrum
A very difficult and confusing problem
Adjunct
that could have been avoided had the BCCI waited for the hostile tide to turn
That did not have to happen if the BCCI had just waited for the angry feelings and bad situation to change
Sentence 13 of 17
The ties that bind India and Bangladesh, a nation birthed through the assistance of the former in 1971,nowstandfrayed.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The ties that bind India and Bangladesh, a nation birthed through the assistance of the former in 1971
The relationships and connections that hold India and Bangladesh together, especially since India helped create Bangladesh in 1971
Adjunct
now
At the present time
Verb
stand
Are in a particular state or condition
Complement
frayed
Becoming weak, damaged, or strained (like a rope starting to break)
Sentence 14 of 17
Diplomacyisa complex interplay of adjustment and pragmatism.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Diplomacy
The activity of managing relationships between countries
Verb
is
Exists as
Complement
a complex interplay of adjustment and pragmatism
A complicated mix of changing to fit new situations and being practical instead of just following strict rules
Sentence 15 of 17
The deposed former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinasought refuge and was granted onein Delhi,whilethe Indian governmentalsopaid its last respectsto her arch-rival and former Prime Minister, the late Khaleda Zia.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The deposed former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
The former leader of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who was removed from power
Verb
sought refuge and was granted one
Asked for a safe place to stay and was given one
Adjunct
in Delhi
In India’s capital city
Subject
the Indian government
The central government of India
Adjunct
also
In addition; at the same time
Verb
paid its last respects
Showed honor and respect to a person who has died
Indirect Object
to her arch-rival and former Prime Minister, the late Khaleda Zia
To her main political enemy and another former leader, Khaleda Zia, who recently died
Sentence 16 of 17
The ICC chairman, Jay Shah,hasan unenviable task of maintaining neutrality while dealing with the present crisis.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The ICC chairman, Jay Shah
The head of the International Cricket Council, Jay Shah
Verb
has
Possesses or is faced with
Object
an unenviable task of maintaining neutrality while dealing with the present crisis
A very difficult and unpleasant job of staying neutral and not taking sides while handling the current problem
Sentence 17 of 17
The shrill reactions on either side of the borderneed to be tempered;sportshould not be handcuffedby political compulsions.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The shrill reactions on either side of the border
The loud and extreme responses from both India and Bangladesh
Verb
need to be tempered
Need to be made less extreme, more balanced, or calmer
Subject
sport
The activity of sports (like cricket)
Verb
should not be handcuffed
Should not be restricted, controlled, or stopped
Adjunct
by political compulsions
By political problems, pressures, or requirements
Reading Comprehension
Practice questions based on this editorial
Reading Comprehension - India's Subcontinental Cricketing Ties
Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the deteriorating cricketing relations between India and its neighbors.
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