The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, has stirred controversy ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. The board has reportedly threatened to pull out of the marquee ICC event, especially in the aftermath of Bangladesh’s ejection, leaving uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation.
Although the PCB has announced a 15-member squad for the tournament, the players are still awaiting further instructions from Naqvi regarding the next course of action.
Amid the growing uncertainty, former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has come out strongly against the increasing influence of politics in cricket, warning that it is harming not only the sport but humanity at large.
Speaking to ANI, Mushtaq stressed that cricket’s true purpose is to bring people together, not divide nations.
“I believe politics should be eradicated because it is harmful to humanity. Politics is our enemy. It’s not just damaging cricket, but humanity as a whole,” Mushtaq said.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since the 2012–13 season, when Pakistan toured India for a limited-overs assignment. Since then, the two arch-rivals have only met in ICC and continental tournaments such as the Asia Cup, World Cups, and Champions Trophy.
Expressing his disappointment over the prolonged rift, Mushtaq said politics has become the biggest obstacle to the spirit of the game.
“It’s a loss for the sport and for the players. Cricket is meant to unite nations, not drive them apart,” he added.
Mushtaq further emphasised that cricket should remain a source of entertainment, not conflict.
“Cricket is about entertainment, not a battlefield or a war,” he said, urging that the sport be kept free from political agendas.
The former spinner also refrained from commenting on Bangladesh’s ejection, reiterating his stance that sports and politics should remain separate.
“I don’t want to comment on Bangladesh’s situation because I’ve already made my position clear. I don’t believe in mixing politics with sports,” Mushtaq concluded.
