T20 World Cup | Shashi Tharoor Slams Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Boycott Call

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the growing politicisation of cricket, calling Pakistan’s decision to boycott its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India “disgraceful.” Emphasising that sport should act as a bridge rather than a divider, Tharoor urged all stakeholders to initiate urgent dialogue to resolve the escalating controversy. Tharoor also addressed Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL contract issue, stating the cricketer should never have been denied his Kolkata Knight Riders deal and describing Bangladesh’s response as an overreaction. He said Pakistan’s move appears to reflect solidarity with Bangladesh, warning that the situation is spiralling out of control and requires immediate intervention, possibly by the ICC.