Karachi, Pakistan – – Growing political and security concerns are once again casting a shadow over international cricket, raising serious questions about whether the sport can remain insulated from regional tensions as major global tournaments approach.
With a high-profile multi-nation event scheduled in South Asia, unease among participating cricket boards has surfaced over player safety, diplomatic strains and unequal decision-making within the sport’s governing structures. These concerns have intensified following recent developments involving Bangladesh and India, prompting broader debate within the cricketing fraternity.
Reports indicate that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed reservations about sending its team to India, citing security apprehensions. The issue gained further traction after Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by his Indian Premier League franchise under circumstances that sparked public outrage in Bangladesh. The incident led to a strong reaction at home, including the suspension of IPL broadcasts and calls for Bangladesh’s matches to be shifted to a neutral venue.
The situation has highlighted the fragile balance between sport and politics in the region. Observers note that if individual players cannot be assured safety, it becomes increasingly difficult for boards to justify sending full national squads into potentially volatile environments. This has placed the International Cricket Council (ICC) under pressure to respond impartially and sensitively.
The issue also resonates with Pakistan’s own experience in recent years. Islamabad and New Delhi have previously agreed to neutral venues for bilateral and tournament matches, a compromise designed to keep cricket alive despite political differences. Similar arrangements are now being discussed for other teams, underlining how geopolitics continues to shape the cricketing calendar.
Analysts warn that persistent uncertainty and inconsistent decisions could undermine the credibility of international tournaments and erode trust among member boards. Fans, meanwhile, fear that repeated controversies may distract from the game itself and damage cricket’s global appeal.
As the countdown to major tournaments continues, stakeholders are urging cricket’s leadership to prioritise fairness, safety and the integrity of the sport, ensuring that cricket remains a unifying force rather than a casualty of regional politics.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.