Cricket has long been the heartbeat of the Indian subcontinent, a sport that unites and divides with unparalleled intensity. The major cricketing nations in the region include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and, more recently, Afghanistan, which became a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017. Among these, the rivalry between India and Pakistan stands out, often described as more than a match – it is a battle of pride and national identity. A viral advertisement featuring Dwayne Johnson once captured the sentiment perfectly: “It’s not a match, it’s a war.”
This intense rivalry has been overshadowed in recent years by politics. Cricket has become a platform for political manoeuvring, with India’s influence over the sport’s governance growing substantially. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has immense financial power, and this dominance has allowed India to dictate terms within the ICC, often sidelining Pakistan in the process. But the situation has escalated under the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose political ideology, influenced by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has deepened the divide.
Pakistan, a country with a rich cricketing history, has hosted major events such as the 1996 Cricket World Cup and matches in the 2023 Men’s Asia Cup. However, the 2008 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore brought international cricket in Pakistan to a standstill. For nearly a decade, no major events were held there. The Pakistan Super League (PSL), launched in 2016, gradually brought international players back to Pakistan, reviving the sport in the country. Despite these efforts and the significant improvement in Pakistan’s security situation, India has steadfastly refused to play bilateral series or major events in Pakistan.
India’s decision to avoid playing in Pakistan is heavily influenced by political motives. This became evident during the 2023 Asia Cup, where India insisted on playing their matches in Sri Lanka rather than Pakistan, even though Pakistan was the official host. Similarly, India’s stance on the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is set to host, remains a point of contention.
India’s cricketing dominance is not without controversy. Allegations of corruption and betting scandals have plagued Indian cricket, tarnishing its reputation. Reports from outlets such as The Guardian and Al Jazeera have highlighted the role of bookies in manipulating matches, raising questions about the sport’s integrity [1][2]. While cricket betting is illegal in India, it remains rampant, with high-stakes games often under scrutiny for potential foul play.
The RSS, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organisation, underpins the BJP’s political ideology. Its vision of a “Hindu Rashtra” sees Pakistan as an adversary, and this sentiment extends to cricket. Under Modi’s leadership, this ideology has influenced decisions to isolate Pakistan on the international stage. The RSS’s influence has been criticised for injecting nationalism into areas that should remain neutral, including sports. Many reliable sources have reported on how this political ideology has shaped India’s approach to cricket and its broader foreign policy [3][4].
The financial clout of the BCCI allows India to dominate the ICC’s decision-making processes. Matches between India and Pakistan are among the most-watched sporting events globally, generating significant revenue. However, by refusing to play bilateral series, India deprives Pakistan of financial opportunities, weakening its cricketing infrastructure. This marginalisation is a form of soft power, aimed at sidelining Pakistan on the global cricket stage.
Despite the politicisation, cricket has the potential to transcend political divides. The shared passion of Indian and Pakistani fans demonstrates the unifying power of the sport. However, this potential remains unrealised due to political interference. The ICC’s failure to address India’s monopolistic practices further exacerbates the issue, undermining the sport’s integrity.
To preserve cricket’s spirit, the ICC must ensure that all member nations are treated equitably. Decisions should be based on merit and fairness rather than political agendas. The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan offers a unique opportunity to challenge India’s narrative and reaffirm cricket as a global game that brings nations together rather than driving them apart. As fans, we must demand accountability from cricket’s governing bodies and advocate for a sport free from political interference.
References
[1] G. S. Reporter, “Revealed: godfather of cricket’s scandals,” The Guardian, Jun. 05, 2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/1999/oct/03/cricket
[2] E. Hawkins, “Why match-fixing in cricket is such a lucrative business,” Al Jazeera, May 27, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2018/5/27/why-match-fixing-in-cricket-is-such-a-lucrative-business.
[3] L. Frayer, “The powerful group shaping the rise of Hindu nationalism in India,” NPR, May 03, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.npr.org/2019/05/03/706808616/the-powerful-group-shaping-the-rise-of-hindu-nationalism-in-india.
[4] E. Cricket and Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, “Cricket and Indian national consciousness,” Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, report, 2007. [Online]. Available: https://www.motionpictures.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/560458831IPCS-ResearchPaper9-EmilyCrick.pdf.
