Senior Indian politician and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the politicisation of cricket, saying Pakistan’s decision to boycott its match against India in the ICC T20 World Cup should serve as a wake-up call for all sides.
Reacting to Pakistan’s announcement that it will not play India in the tournament, Tharoor said Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman should never have been denied a playing contract in Kolkata, calling the decision deeply unfortunate.
He added that political interference had only worsened the situation.
Tharoor said Bangladesh’s response appeared excessive, while Pakistan’s move was aimed at showing solidarity with Bangladesh.
“It is deeply regrettable that sport is being viewed through a political lens,” the Congress leader said, adding that the growing politicisation of cricket was embarrassing and rapidly getting out of control.
He stressed the need for serious consensus-building, noting that cricket in particular holds immense importance for ordinary people.
He said sport should act as a bridge between nations rather than fuel disputes, describing the current situation as a wake-up call for all stakeholders. Tharoor urged urgent dialogue to resolve the matter.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on 6 February in India and Sri Lanka, with the Pakistan-India clash set for 15 February.
However, following a meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved Pakistan’s participation in the tournament while announcing a boycott of the match against India
