Shashi Tharoor Slams Pakistan’s India Match Boycott at T20 World Cup

Shashi Tharoor criticised Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India match at the T20 World Cup, calling the move disgraceful.

Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor has criticised the increasing politicization in cricket after Pakistan chose to boycott its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India. He described the situation as damaging to the spirit of the sport and urged all parties to resolve the issue through dialogue before it worsens.

Tharoor also referred to the Mustafizur Rahman episode, saying the Bangladesh pacer should not have lost his IPL contract in Kolkata. He felt the reaction that followed went too far and added to the tension. He explained that Pakistan’s move appeared to be linked to its support for Bangladesh, which further complicated matters.

“It is pretty disgraceful that sport has been politicised in this way on both sides, frankly. I don’t think that Mustafizur (Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman) should have been denied his contract to play in Kolkata. It was most unfortunate. 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. This whole thing is spiralling out of control,” Tharoor was quoted as saying by the Economic Times.

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“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, rather than allowing this to go on like this. 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.

The comments followed Pakistan’s announcement that the team will not play its scheduled group match against India on February 15 at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The decision was confirmed through an official government post, which allowed participation in the tournament but ruled out the India fixture.

The ICC responded by stating that selective involvement conflicts with the core principles of a global sporting competition. It warned that such actions weaken the spirit of ICC events and may have lasting effects on international cricket.

READ ALSO | ICC Issues Warning Against Pakistan For Boycotting India Match In T20 World Cup 2026