Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : Ex-Pakistan cricketer says politics is the true enemy amid T20 World Cup controversy and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
Overview:
Following a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir last year, the Indian government enforced a policy of playing matches on neutral venues.
Former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has spoken out on the tense ties between India and Pakistan, criticising the influence of politics and stating that it goes against humanity and harms the spirit of cricket. Emphasising that the sport is meant to bring nations together, he pointed to the long absence of bilateral cricket between the two sides. India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in the 2012–13 season, when Pakistan toured India in December 2012 for three ODIs and two T20Is. The T20I series was levelled, while Pakistan claimed the ODI series 2–1.
“I believe politics should be eliminated as it harms humanity. Politics is our enemy, and it’s not only damaging cricket but also affecting humanity as a whole. It’s a setback for the sport and its players. Cricket should bring nations together, not create division,” he told ANI.
India and Pakistan meet in the World Cups, Asia Cup, and Champions Trophy. The most recent encounter was during the 2023 ODI World Cup when Pakistan toured India. Following a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir last year, the Indian government enforced a policy of playing matches on neutral venues.
According to Mushtaq, cricket’s primary purpose is entertainment, not politics or conflict. He avoided making any remarks on Bangladesh’s choice not to play the T20 World Cup in India, reaffirming his stance that politics and sport should never be intertwined.
“Cricket is meant to entertain, not to be a battleground or a war. I choose not to comment on Bangladesh’s decision to not play in India, as I’ve already stated that I don’t get involved in politics,” Mushtaq added.
Mushtaq’s statement follows rising tensions between Bangladesh and India over the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh refused to play in India, citing security fears, after Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad due to a BCCI directive.
After Bangladesh’s decision to pull out, the International Cricket Council (ICC) replaced them with Scotland.