CRICKET in South Asia has always been more than just a sport; it is a reflection of national pride.

However, recent events suggest that the Gentleman’s Game is being used as a tool for political subjugation. The relationship between India and Bangladesh is currently facing its darkest period, moving from a close partnership to a state of high tension and mutual suspicion.

The friction became visible when the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, under pressure from the BCCI, released Bangladeshi star Mustafizur Rahman. Despite his immense talent, his removal was seen as a political message. This happened right as the political landscape in Bangladesh shifted. Following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid—a close ally of India—the new administration in Dhaka has taken a different path. The situation worsened when a Dhaka tribunal........

© Pakistan Observer