Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Condemns Politicisation of Cricket Amid Pakistan Boycott Controversy
Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticised the increasing politicisation of cricket, describing Pakistan's decision to boycott its ICC T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India as "disgraceful" and calling for immediate dialogue to resolve the escalating controversy.
Tharoor's Strong Reaction to Pakistan's Boycott Decision
Reacting to the developing situation, Tharoor emphasised that sport should serve as a unifying force rather than deepening existing divisions. "It is pretty disgraceful that sport has been politicised in this way on both sides, frankly," Tharoor told reporters in New Delhi.
The former diplomat and author expressed particular concern about the broader implications of political interference in cricket, stating that the current situation appears to be spiralling beyond control. His remarks came after Pakistan officially announced it would skip its February 15, 2026 clash against India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament.
Mustafizur Rahman Contract Controversy and Regional Solidarity
Tharoor also weighed in on the separate controversy involving Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman's Indian Premier League situation. "I don't think that Mustafizur should have been denied his contract to play in Kolkata. It was most unfortunate," Tharoor stated, referring to the left-arm seamer's denied contract with Kolkata Knight Riders.
According to Tharoor, Pakistan's boycott decision appears to be driven by solidarity with Bangladesh, creating a complex regional cricket diplomacy situation. "Intrusion of politics, I think the Bangladeshi reaction was an overreaction but it is also a reflection of the same and Pakistan is trying to show its solidarity with Bangladesh," he explained.
Call for Urgent ICC Intervention and Dialogue
Calling for immediate intervention, Tharoor stressed the critical need for cricket to serve as common ground between nations. "I think we need to really need to come to an understanding that sports, especially a sport like Cricket which means so much to all the people, should be a means of bringing us together at least on the playing field," he emphasised.
Tharoor appealed for emergency talks, suggesting the International Cricket Council could facilitate crucial discussions. "I honestly think this is now a wake up call for all concerned to contact each other on an emergency basis, the ICC could be the platform for it - just say, let's call off this nonsense...You can't go on like this forever," he added with urgency.
Pakistan's Official Announcement and ICC Response
The Pakistan government confirmed its boycott decision in a post on social media platform X, stating clearly that the team "shall not take the field" against India. In a subsequent clarification, they noted: "The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India."
No specific reason was provided for this unprecedented move in international cricket. Meanwhile, India enters the tournament in strong form following a convincing 4-1 T20I series victory over New Zealand.
The International Cricket Council later issued a statement cautioning against "selective participation," stating it contradicts the fundamental spirit of global sporting events. "While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule," the governing body stated.
ICC's Concerns About Long-Term Implications
Reiterating its commitment to fairness and integrity, the ICC expressed concern that such decisions could negatively impact the global cricket ecosystem. "While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan," the release noted.
The cricket governing body further warned: "The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of."
The ICC concluded by urging the Pakistan Cricket Board to "explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders."
Historical Context and Tournament Details
India maintains a dominant 7-1 record over Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cup encounters historically. The 2026 tournament begins on February 7, with defending champions India placed in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, the USA, and Pakistan.
India opens its campaign against the USA on February 7 before the scheduled high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 12. The boycott announcement has created uncertainty around what is traditionally one of cricket's most anticipated fixtures.
Tharoor's intervention highlights growing concerns about the intersection of politics and sports in South Asia, particularly in cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan. His call for urgent dialogue through the ICC reflects the seriousness of the situation and its potential ramifications for international cricket relations.
