Indian journalist Jyotsna Mohan has warned that cricket in India is no longer being run purely as a sport. According to her, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has steadily lost its independence, with political and commercial interests increasingly dictating decisions.
Mohan argues that institutions meant to uphold fairness and integrity in cricket have weakened under political pressure, making cricket a casualty of government influence.
BCCI’s Independence Questioned
Although the BCCI is often described as a private sporting body, Mohan claims that its recent actions show otherwise. Decisions regarding player contracts, tournament participation, and franchise management appear influenced by political considerations rather than sporting merit.
The journalist points to a growing trend where cricket administration in India reflects political messaging rather than fairness or sporting principles.
IPL Controversy: Mustafizur Rahman’s Release
A significant turning point, Mohan notes, was the release of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The player’s Rs. 9.20 crore contract was canceled following public outrage in India over attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Right-wing groups targeted KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan, with a BJP leader labeling him a traitor. Mohan argues this illustrates how cricket has been used to influence public opinion, particularly around West Bengal elections.
Bangladesh’s Response and Double Standards
In response, Bangladesh refused to travel to India for the ICC T20 World Cup, requesting its matches be played in Sri Lanka instead. Mohan compares this to India’s precedent during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, when India refused to play in Pakistan. She criticizes the ICC for rejecting Bangladesh’s request while India’s own similar stance had been accommodated.
ICC and BCCI Alignment Concerns
Mohan highlights that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is closely aligned with BCCI leadership. She points to ICC chairman Jay Shah, son of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah, noting his political background as a factor that may compromise the ICC’s independence. According to Mohan, this alignment allows political considerations to override sporting fairness.
Pakistan Joins the Controversy
The issue has now involved Pakistan, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi approving a boycott of the scheduled India-Pakistan match in Colombo on February 15. Mohan argues that recurring India-Pakistan matchups in major tournaments are often dictated by commercial interests, even amid ongoing political tensions, rather than genuine sporting competition.
Politics Overshadowing Sportsmanship
Mohan also criticizes incidents like Indian players refusing to shake hands with Pakistani players during the Asia Cup, which she sees as a clear example of politics overtaking sportsmanship. She contrasts this with previous generations of cricketers, who maintained dignity and respect despite political tensions.
Cricket as a Political Tool
According to Jyotsna Mohan, cricket in India has increasingly become intertwined with politics and commerce. Players, fans, and international relations are all impacted as decisions once guided by sporting integrity now serve political messaging.
