Explained : Before bat meets ball, politics steals WC showThe Shillong Times and Its Impact

New Delhi, Feb 6: The T20 World Cup, the biggest edition in the tournament’s history, begins on Saturday across venues in India and Sri Lanka, but not without an unusually turbulent and politically charged build-up that has pushed cricket to the margins.
Expanded from 16 to 20 teams, the global event was meant to celebrate the sport’s widening footprint. Instead, off-field drama has dominated headlines, with geopolitics mixing freely with cricket in an unprecedented manner.
While defending champions India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, enter the tournament as overwhelming favourites, discussions around potential winners and standout performers have largely been drowned out.
The controversy began with Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India, citing security concerns and what they described as an affront to national pride following the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from an IPL contract on BCCI instructions.
The standoff eventually led to Bangladesh’s exit from the tournament, with Scotland stepping in to face the West Indies in Kolkata on the opening day.
The situation escalated further when Pakistan announced that it would boycott its marquee clash against India, citing solidarity with Bangladesh. Islamabad held New Delhi responsible for the crisis, and the issue quickly took on diplomatic overtones. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly defended the decision, calling it “appropriate” in the larger political context.
Even before the first ball is bowled, the ICC and its broadcast partners are staring at potential financial losses, while Pakistan could be exposed to serious sanctions that may have long-term consequences.
Despite recent India-Pakistan contests being largely one-sided on the field, the fixture remains a financial juggernaut for global cricket — a reality that makes the current impasse even more damaging.
Beyond the noise, India appear set to dominate the tournament. On paper and form, no side matches their depth, balance and consistency in this format.
While T20 cricket is notoriously unforgiving and thrives on fine margins, India’s biggest threat seems more likely to be a self-inflicted collapse than opposition brilliance.
If the India-Pakistan game does eventually take place at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the surface could pose some questions for India’s young batters. Pakistan’s spin options — Mohammed Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and side-arm surprise Usman Tariq — may find some assistance. Still, the larger loss would arguably be Pakistan’s, who open their campaign against the Netherlands and are expected to start with a comfortable win.
Australia remain formidable despite missing Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood initially.
Their bowling looks slightly thin, but a power-packed batting line-up featuring Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Tim David ensures they stay dangerous. Much will depend on spinners Adam Zampa and Matt Kuhnemann on decisive days.
England, too, boast a batting-heavy squad with Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Ben Duckett and Phil Salt capable of dismantling any attack.
Their progress, however, may hinge on how they handle India’s spin trio of Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.
South Africa enter as strong semi-final contenders, armed with a potent bowling unit led by Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj. In batting, Quinton de Kock’s explosiveness, Aiden Markram’s unpredictability and the experience of David Miller add weight.
New Zealand, after a month in the region, appear well acclimatised. Finn Allen’s confidence is high following his Big Bash League exploits, while Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell provide solidity. With Lockie Ferguson’s pace and Mitchell Santner’s guile, they will be tough in the Super Eights.
Hosts Sri Lanka, backed by quality spin and express pace, remain dangerous at home.
The West Indies promise flair and chaos in equal measure, while the USA — dubbed the “United States of Asia” due to its expat-heavy squad — add curiosity.
Among associates, Nepal could draw the loudest support, with Dipendra Singh Airee, holder of the fastest T20I fifty, one to watch. Italy, led by dual-sport World Cupper Wayne Madsen, complete a tournament where the cricket, for now, must wait its turn behind the headlines. (PTI)

MATCHES TODAY
Pakistan vs Netherlands at 11 am
West Indies vs Scotland at 3 pm
India vs United States at 7 pm