Indian Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticized the growing politicization of cricket following reports that Pakistan will boycott its match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Speaking to reporters, Tharoor described the situation as “pretty disgraceful,” saying that politics has interfered with sports on all sides. He stressed that cricket, a sport deeply loved across the region, should bring people together rather than become a tool for political messaging.
Tharoor also referred to the controversy involving Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was denied a contract to play for Kolkata Knight Riders. He said Mustafizur should never have been blocked from the deal and called the decision “most unfortunate.”
While criticizing the original action, Tharoor said Bangladesh’s response to the incident was an overreaction. He added that Pakistan’s decision appears to be an attempt to show solidarity with Bangladesh, warning that the situation is now “spiralling out of control.”
“This intrusion of politics into sport is deeply troubling,” Tharoor said, adding that such actions only worsen tensions instead of resolving them.
#WATCH | On Pakistan to boycott its match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, “It is pretty disgraceful that sport has been politicised in this way on both sides, frankly. I don’t think that Mustafizur (Bangladeshi cricketer… pic.twitter.com/wt3wgwXZPQ
— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2026
He urged all parties involved to engage in immediate dialogue to prevent further escalation. Tharoor suggested that the International Cricket Council could serve as a neutral platform for emergency discussions to defuse the crisis.
“Sports, especially a sport like cricket which means so much to people, should unite us at least on the playing field,” he said. “This is a wake-up call. All concerned must contact each other urgently and call off this nonsense. You cannot go on like this forever.”
