Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has questioned India’s commitment to sportsman spirit as criticism grows over what many see as the increasing politicisation of cricket by the Indian establishment.
Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Afridi said the conduct of Indian cricket authorities and players has repeatedly fallen short of the values the sport represents, particularly in matches involving Pakistan. He remarked that politics has too often been dragged into cricket across the border, creating an unhealthy environment for the game.
Afridi added that Pakistan has chosen a different path, stressing that the team prefers to answer such behaviour through performance on the field rather than off-field controversies.
The remarks come amid backlash against the Board of Control for Cricket in India after it directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman following heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Former West Indies captain Jason Holder has echoed similar sentiments, describing the current state of India-Pakistan cricket relations as deeply disappointing. In an online discussion with analyst Grace Hayden, Holder pointed to the Asia Cup 2025 as an example of how far things have gone.
He recalled that despite winning the tournament, Indian players chose not to step onto the podium to collect the trophy, calling the gesture excessive and damaging to the spirit of the sport. He said such scenes were painful to witness and had no place in cricket.
Cricket observers also raised concerns during the tournament over India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players, a tradition long considered a basic sign of respect. The tension carried into the final, where India defeated Pakistan but declined to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and Asian Cricket Council president.
Similar behaviour was later seen during a Women’s World Cup match between the two sides, where the customary post-match handshakes were again skipped.
Separately, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali criticised the International Cricket Council, accusing it of favouring certain cricket boards while marginalising others. Without naming India directly, he said it was widely known who held real influence within the ICC, even if few were willing to speak openly about it.
Ali also expressed disappointment over Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the Indian Premier League, noting that such incidents were not new. He pointed out that Pakistan had faced comparable treatment in the past, but those issues were often overlooked.
He further defended Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, saying the players should not be blamed for prioritising their safety. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has cited concerns over security and player welfare and has asked the ICC to shift Bangladesh’s matches to a venue outside India, which is co-hosting the tournament with Sri Lanka.
