Indian journalist Jyotsna Mohan has strongly criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the International Cricket Council, warning that cricket in India is no longer being run as a sport but as a political instrument. She argued that institutions meant to safeguard fairness and integrity have steadily weakened under growing government influence.
In her assessment, Mohan said the BCCI, despite being described as a private sporting body, no longer functions independently. She claimed that political alignment and commercial interests now play a decisive role in shaping key decisions, reducing the autonomy of cricket administration in India.
Mohan acknowledged that the BCCI remains the most powerful cricket board in the world due to its immense financial strength. However, she stressed that this power is closely tied to the Indian government, turning cricket administration into an extension of domestic politics rather than a neutral sporting authority.
She identified January as a major turning point, when IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. The player was the only Bangladeshi cricketer in the league and was released following public outrage in India over reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Citing media reports, Mohan claimed the BCCI instructed the franchise to cancel Mustafizur’s Rs. 9.20 crore contract. She noted that right-wing groups targeted KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan, with a BJP leader publicly calling him a traitor and questioning his right to live in India.
According to Mohan, cricket was used to fuel selective outrage and polarize public opinion ahead of elections in West Bengal. She argued that sporting decisions were shaped by political messaging rather than fairness or professionalism.
Mohan further said Bangladesh responded firmly by refusing to travel to India for the ICC T20 World Cup, citing safety concerns. Bangladesh requested its matches be played in Sri Lanka, a neutral co-host, following a precedent previously set by India itself.
She recalled that during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, India declined to travel to Pakistan and played all its matches in Dubai. Mohan argued that Bangladesh applied the same logic, yet its request was rejected, exposing double standards.
The journalist also criticized the ICC, describing it as lacking independence and closely aligned with BCCI leadership. She pointed to ICC chairman Jay Shah’s political background, noting his close ties to the Indian government.
Mohan said Bangladesh was eventually replaced by Scotland, showing how athletes often become collateral damage when politics overtakes sport. She added that Pakistan has now entered the dispute, with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi approving a boycott of the India match in Colombo.
She concluded by questioning why India and Pakistan continue to be paired in major tournaments despite no bilateral series. Mohan said repeated matchups and incidents like players refusing handshakes highlight how politics has overtaken sportsmanship.
