Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has launched a strong attack on the growing influence of politics in cricket, warning that it is damaging not just the sport but humanity itself. Speaking to ANI, Mushtaq underlined that cricket’s true purpose is to unite people, not deepen divides between nations.India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since the 2012–13 season, when Pakistan toured India for a limited-overs assignment. Since then, the arch-rivals have only faced each other in ICC and continental tournaments such as the Asia Cup, World Cups and the Champions Trophy.
Sharing his disappointment over the prolonged rift, Mushtaq said politics has become the biggest obstacle to the game’s spirit. “I believe politics should be eradicated as it’s detrimental to humanity. Politics is our enemy. It’s not just harming cricket, but humanity as a whole,” Mushtaq said. “It’s a loss for the sport and for its players. Cricket is meant to unite nations, not drive them apart.”Mushtaq reiterated that cricket should remain a source of entertainment rather than conflict, stressing that the game must be kept away from political agendas. “Cricket is about entertainment, not a battlefield or war,” he said.Asked about Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Mushtaq chose not to take sides, maintaining his consistent stand against mixing sport with politics. “I don’t want to comment on Bangladesh’s decision because I’ve already made my stance clear. I don’t believe in mixing politics with sports,” he added.Bangladesh were recently replaced by Scotland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after repeatedly declining to play their scheduled matches in India, citing security concerns amid strained political relations. The ICC described the move as a difficult decision taken after the Bangladesh Cricket Board failed to confirm participation within the given deadline.
