Cricket’s Political Game: Wisden Editor Critiques BCCI’s Ties to Modi’s Government
The editor of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, Lawrence Booth, has sharply criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its close alignment with Narendra Modi’s ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In his editorial, Booth highlights the increasingly overt influence of Indian politics on cricket, stating that the BCCI has become a sporting arm of the BJP. Booth points to a significant moment when India captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated a victory in the Asia Cup against Pakistan to the armed forces, which he argues illustrates the explicit political connection. This dedication came in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a military operation following a deadly attack in Kashmir. Key points from Booth's editorial include: The tension between India and Pakistan overshadowing cricket matches, including the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup. Modi’s comments linking cricket victories to military operations, framing cricket as a proxy for geopolitical conflict. The refusal of the Indian team to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, a Pakistani official, as a performative gesture of humiliation. Booth also discusses the repercussions for Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was dropped from the Kolkata Knight Riders under pressure from the BCCI, highlighting the intertwining of cricket and politics. This incident sparked a diplomatic crisis, leading to Bangladesh withdrawing from the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup after their request to relocate matches was denied. The editorial underscores cricket's transformation into a tool for political narratives, with Booth emphasizing that the sport has become a critical piece in the BJP's geopolitical strategy.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-04-14