‘Cricket held hostage to economic, political ends’ - Harsha Bhogle’s blunt take on India-Pakistan rivalry

Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle has delivered a hard-hitting assessment of the current state of India vs Pakistan clashes, admitting that the excitement he once felt for the marquee rivalry has faded amid growing political and commercial overtones.

For decades, India-Pakistan encounters have been regarded as the most anticipated clashes of world cricket. And in yet another chapter of this storied rivalry, India are set to face Pakistan in Group-A encounter in the T20 World Cup 2026. However, Bhogle believes the essence of that rivalry has changed.

“I don't know if this is the right thing to say, but the truth is, I'm not excited by this India-Pakistan game, and you might say, oops, really? I've seen so many, and I'll be honest, there was always that little feeling in the pit of your stomach about what is likely to happen. Your hopes soared and they fell down, and you rejoiced, and you felt terrible from ball to ball. You went on a big emotional roller coaster, you sat on the edge of your seat, you wondered what would happen, and then you took the result and you moved on,” said Harsha on his YouTube channel.

He further acknowledged that the rivalry was never easy or free from tension, but stressed that it was ultimately about cricket and sporting emotion. According to him, that balance has now shifted.

“It wasn't always easy, I'll admit, but it moved on. But this time, I fear that my beloved game, our beloved game, is being held hostage to larger economic and political ends. It's become an arrow to be fired for political gamesmanship.”

The seasoned broadcaster did not shy away from pointing towards the increasing commercialisation and geopolitical undertones surrounding the fixture. From high-octane promotional campaigns to war-like gestures during the games, Bhogle feels the contest is no longer purely about cricket.

“There are geopolitical concerns, points to be won here and there. You're making provocative promos, as always, you're adjusting the drawer to fit everyone in. People are making war-like gestures. It's about politics, about the economy. I don't think we enjoy the game anymore. I think we exploit it, and that is the reality of India versus Pakistan today,” he concluded.  

Pakistan had announced that they will not be taking the field against India at the 2026 World Cup, to show solidarity with Bangladesh. Yet, after negotiations with the ICC, they took a U-turn on their decision and will face the arch-rivals in Colombo on February 15.