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New Delhi, 2 February 2026: It seems that politics is now dominating the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. After Bangladesh’s boycott, now Pakistan has also created a stir in the cricket world by refusing to play against India. Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharore has given his sharp reaction on this serious controversy. He has described the ongoing politicization of sports as “shameful”.

Speaking to the media, Shashi Tharoor said, “To be honest, it is very shameful that the game has been politicized by both sides. I don’t think Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman should have been refused a contract to play in Kolkata. It was a very unfortunate decision.”

Bangladesh refused to play the World Cup in India after Mustafizur’s contract was cancelled. Regarding this, Tharoor added, “I think Bangladesh’s reaction was more than necessary, but that is the result of earlier incidents. Now Pakistan is trying to show solidarity with Bangladesh. This whole matter is now getting out of hand.” He further said, “We need to understand that sports, especially cricket, which is so important to all people, should be a medium to bring us together on the field, not through disputes.”

Shashi Tharore appealed for an immediate resolution of this dispute, saying, “This is now a ‘wake-up call’ for all concerned parties. The ICC can become a platform for this where all countries should immediately communicate. All we need to say is – ‘Come on, stop this nonsense now.’ You can’t go on like this forever.” It is noteworthy that due to this tough attitude of Pakistan and Bangladesh, the planning of the World Cup and the income of crores of rupees generated from it is at risk. Now it remains to be seen whether ICC mediates this matter and brings a solution.

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