'Politics is our enemy' - Saqlain Mushtaq on growing geopolitical interferences in cricket

Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has spoken out strongly against the growing influence of politics on international cricket, calling it “against humanity” and detrimental not just to the sport but to global harmony. Saqlain lamented the prolonged absence of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan, stressing that the game has historically served as a bridge between nations rather than a point of conflict.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since the 2012–13 season, when Pakistan toured India for a limited-overs series comprising three ODIs and two T20Is. While the T20I series ended level, Pakistan clinched the ODI series 2–1. Since then, the two sides have only faced each other in ICC and continental tournaments.

“I believe politics should be eradicated as it’s detrimental to humanity. Politics is our enemy. It’s not just harming cricket, it’s harming humanity as a whole. Cricket is meant to unite nations, not drive them apart. It’s a loss for the sport and for the players. Cricket is meant to unite nations not drive them apart" Saqlain was quoted as saying by Asianet News. 

Saqlain also underlined that cricket should remain a form of entertainment, not a reflection of geopolitical tensions. He refrained from commenting on Bangladesh’s recent decision not to participate in the T20 World Cup in India, reiterating his long-standing stance against mixing politics with sport.

“Cricket is about entertainment, not a battlefield or war. I prefer not to comment on Bangladesh’s decision not to play in India. I’ve already made it clear that I don’t believe in politics," he added.

Currently, India and Pakistan only compete against each other in multinational events like the Asia Cup, the World Cup and the Champions Trophy. Pakistan last travelled to India during the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, following a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir last year, the Indian government adopted a policy of playing matches against Pakistan only on neutral venues.

Mushtaq's comments, though, have come amid strained relations between India and Bangladesh over the upcoming T20 World Cup. Bangladesh cited security concerns after Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad following a directive linked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India over alleged atrocities against religious minorities in Bangladesh.

Subsequently, the International Cricket Council replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the T20 World Cup lineup, further intensifying debate over the growing overlap between cricket and international politics.