Politics not just harming cricket, but humanity: Pakistan spin legend Saqlain

Legendary Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has strongly criticised the role of politics in cricket, calling it “against humanity” and harmful to the sport, while urging that cricket should unite nations rather than divide them.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with ANI, Saqlain said: “I believe politics should be eradicated as it’s detrimental to humanity. Politics is our enemy, and it’s not just harming cricket, but humanity as a whole. It’s a loss for the sport and its players. Cricket is meant to unite nations, not drive them apart.”

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012–13, when Pakistan toured India for a three-match ODI and two-match T20I series. The T20 series ended 1-1, while Pakistan won the ODI series 2-1. Since then, the two teams have only faced each other in international tournaments such as the Asia Cup, World Cup and Champions Trophy.

Pakistan last toured India during the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, following a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir last year, the Indian government adopted a policy of playing matches involving Pakistan on “third soil” -- either in India or at neutral venues abroad, but not in Pakistan.

Saqlain reiterated that cricket should remain a source of entertainment, not conflict. He declined to comment on Bangladesh’s decision not to play in India, maintaining his stance against mixing politics with sport.

“Cricket is about entertainment, not a battlefield or war. I prefer not to comment on Bangladesh’s decision not to play in India, as I’ve made it clear that I don’t believe in politics,” he added.

His remarks come amid tensions between Bangladesh and India over the upcoming T20 World Cup. Bangladesh refused to travel to India citing security concerns, following the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad on the BCCI’s directive. The ICC subsequently replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament.

Saqlain’s comments also come at a time when relations between India and Pakistan remain strained, both diplomatically and on the cricket field, following the Pahalgam attack and recent controversies involving tournament conduct and scheduling.