The Geopolitics of the Pitch: How Cricket is Losing its Role as a South Asian Unifier
Over $1 million. That’s the estimated value of Mustafizur Rahman’s contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders – a sum rendered meaningless in an instant by a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The January 2026 decision to release the Bangladeshi fast bowler, ostensibly due to “developments all around,” wasn’t about cricket; it was a stark signal of how rapidly the sport is being weaponized in a region increasingly defined by political fracture. This isn’t an isolated incident, but a symptom of a broader trend: the erosion of cricket’s long-held status as a bridge between South Asian nations and its transformation into a tool of political pressure.
From ‘Cricket Diplomacy’ to Strategic Leverage
For decades, cricket served as a rare constant in the often-turbulent relationship between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Matches transcended political boundaries, fostering goodwill and providing a platform for dialogue. India’s 2004 tour of Pakistan, dubbed the “Friendship Series,” remains a potent symbol of this era, with Prime Minister Vajpayee explicitly urging his team to “win hearts” alongside matches. But the landscape has shifted dramatically. India’s growing economic and political dominance, coupled with its financial control over the sport – generating an estimated 80% of global cricket revenue – has created an imbalance of power. The BCCI, now effectively a strategic asset for the Indian government, is increasingly willing to leverage its influence.
This isn’t simply about scheduling or revenue sharing. The Mustafizur affair, following the contentious 2025 Asia Cup standoff where India refused to play in Pakistan, demonstrates a willingness to intervene at the franchise level, impacting individual players. The refusal of the Indian team to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts during the Asia Cup, while seemingly a minor gesture, underscored a deepening hostility. As cricket analyst Darminder Joshi noted, such actions “strip the game of what makes it special” and actively contribute to escalating tensions.
The Bangladesh Flashpoint: Exile, Crackdowns, and a Broadcast Ban
The situation with Bangladesh is particularly acute. India’s perceived support for the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in 2024, and its subsequent refusal to allow her return despite a death sentence handed down in Dhaka, has fueled anti-India sentiment within Bangladesh. Compounding this are reports of attacks on religious minorities, triggering outrage in India. The BCCI’s decision regarding Mustafizur, widely seen as a response to these developments, triggered a cascade of retaliatory measures: a protest from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), a ban on IPL broadcasts, and a request to relocate T20 World Cup matches. While the ICC has offered assurances regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the World Cup, the underlying tensions remain.
The incident highlights a dangerous precedent. As journalist Vir Sanghvi pointed out, the BCCI “panicked” and succumbed to pressure, turning a sporting issue into a diplomatic embarrassment. This isn’t about protecting the integrity of the IPL; it’s about signaling political disapproval. The fact that a player’s livelihood can be jeopardized based on the geopolitical actions of their nation represents a fundamental shift in the relationship between sport and politics.
The ICC’s Complicity and the Future of Regional Cricket
The International Cricket Council (ICC) finds itself in a precarious position. With Jay Shah, son of India’s powerful Home Minister, at the helm, accusations of bias are inevitable. The ICC’s reluctance to forcefully intervene in the Asia Cup dispute and its cautious response to the Mustafizur situation suggest a deference to India’s influence. This raises serious questions about the ICC’s ability to act as an impartial governing body and uphold the principles of fair play.
Beyond Bilateral Disputes: A Wider Regional Impact
The implications extend beyond India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The politicization of cricket risks destabilizing the entire South Asian region. If sporting exchanges are consistently used as leverage, it will further erode trust and exacerbate existing conflicts. The precedent set by the Mustafizur case could embolden other nations to use similar tactics, turning cricket stadiums into extensions of the battlefield. This trend isn’t limited to South Asia either; the increasing intersection of geopolitics and sports is a global phenomenon, as seen in debates surrounding the Olympics and World Cups.
The future of cricket in South Asia hinges on a delicate balance. Can the sport reclaim its role as a unifying force, or will it continue to be a pawn in a larger geopolitical game? The answer likely lies in a willingness to prioritize diplomacy over political signaling, and a commitment from the ICC to uphold its principles of impartiality and fair play. Without a concerted effort to de-politicize the game, the vibrant cricketing culture of the subcontinent risks being irrevocably fractured.
What steps can the ICC take to regain its authority and ensure cricket remains a force for good in South Asia? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
