Save Our Pak
New Delhi (February 2, 2026): After Pakistan refused to play against India in the T20 World Cup, Indian Members of Parliament have strongly criticized the Modi government. Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor expressed serious concern over the growing political interference in cricket.
Shashi Tharoor said that Pakistan’s decision to boycott the match against India in the T20 World Cup should act as a “wake-up call” for all concerned parties. He warned that mixing politics with sports is creating long-term problems for international cricket.
Referring to Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, Tharoor said it was completely wrong to cancel his contract with a Kolkata-based team due to political reasons. According to him, such actions damage the spirit of the game and send negative signals globally.
He added that political interference has made the situation more complicated, and its impact is now visible in the form of match boycotts at major tournaments like the World Cup.
Tharoor stated that Bangladesh’s reaction appeared excessive, while Pakistan’s move was aimed at showing solidarity with Bangladesh. He said it was unfortunate that cricket is being viewed through a political lens and warned that the situation is going out of control.
He emphasized that cricket is not just a sport for people but an emotional connection. Instead of increasing tensions, the game should be used to bring people closer. Tharoor urged all sides to hold urgent talks and find a solution to the issue.
It is important to note that the ICC T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 6 in India and Sri Lanka. The highly anticipated match between the traditional rivals was scheduled for February 15. However, after a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan confirmed its participation in the tournament but officially announced a boycott of the match against India.
Reported by Save Our Pak
