September 29, 2025 – The politicization of cricket under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has sparked outrage not only internationally but also within India itself.
Cricket, often called the gentleman’s game, was once again dragged into politics by the Modi administration, particularly when it came to matches against Pakistan. Observers say the spirit of sportsmanship was crushed and the world was shown a disturbing face of Indian politics.
Following a humiliating defeat in the Asia Cup, the Modi government allegedly instructed Indian players not to shake hands with Pakistani cricketers. The controversy escalated when, for the first time in cricket history, a winning team walked away without lifting the trophy. Reports suggest that Indian players refused to receive the trophy from Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi, the current President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
This move has triggered criticism from within India. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had already voiced concerns, and now the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has openly condemned the Modi government’s actions.
Saurabh Bhardwaj, AAP’s Delhi president, accused the BJP of staging the entire drama, saying:
“By refusing to take the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the Modi government deceived the Indian public. Before the Asia Cup began, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav himself met Naqvi, shook hands with him, and even exchanged smiles with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha. Later, BJP changed the script and orchestrated this drama to fool the nation.”
Analysts argue that politicizing cricket not only damages India’s international image but also undermines the very essence of the sport. Critics say the Indian public is beginning to see through Modi’s attempts to mix politics with cricket, and the backlash is growing stronger.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the controversy surrounding India in the Asia Cup 2025?
The controversy began when Indian players allegedly refused to shake hands with Pakistani cricketers and later declined to receive the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi.
2. Why did Indian players refuse to take the trophy?
Reports suggest it was a politically motivated decision influenced by the Modi government, aiming to avoid receiving the trophy from a Pakistani official.
3. Has such an incident happened before in cricket history?
No. This was the first time a winning team refused to collect the trophy, making it an unprecedented event in cricket’s history.
4. Who criticized Modi’s government over this controversy?
Leaders like Shashi Tharoor and Aam Aadmi Party’s Saurabh Bhardwaj criticized the BJP, calling the move a political stunt.
5. What role did Mohsin Naqvi play in the controversy?
Mohsin Naqvi, the ACC President from Pakistan, was the official expected to hand over the trophy. The refusal to take the trophy from him created the uproar.
6. How did the Indian public react to this?
Many cricket fans and politicians in India expressed disappointment, saying that the incident embarrassed the country and undermined sportsmanship.
7. Did Indian players shake hands with Pakistani players earlier in the tournament?
Yes. Reports confirm that before the Asia Cup began, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav shook hands with Mohsin Naqvi and even smiled while greeting Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha.
8. Why is cricket often politicized between India and Pakistan?
Due to the tense political relationship between the two nations, cricket frequently becomes a battleground for political gestures and propaganda.
9. What impact does politicizing cricket have on the sport?
It damages the integrity of the game, diminishes the spirit of sportsmanship, and creates unnecessary hostility among fans.
10. Could this controversy affect future cricket tournaments?
Yes. Experts believe such incidents could strain international cricket relations, reduce fan interest, and tarnish India’s sporting reputation.
