Tharoor Asserts Cricket Should Not Be Linked to Minority Attacks in Bangladesh

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasises that cricket should remain separate from political issues, particularly regarding minority attacks in Bangladesh. He advocates for continued engagement with Bangladesh to protect minorities while supporting cricketer Mustafizur Rahman.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed that cricket should remain separate from political issues, particularly concerning minority attacks in Bangladesh. His comments came after criticism arose over the selection of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman by the Kolkata Knight Riders during the IPL auction.

Tharoor emphasised that sports should not be burdened with political matters. "I honestly don’t think cricket should be made to carry the burden of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. My view is clear that we should try to insulate some areas from others," he stated.

Cricket and Politics: A Delicate Balance

He further highlighted India's ongoing engagement with Bangladesh, urging it to protect minorities. Tharoor believes such diplomatic efforts should continue without involving sports. He noted that Mustafizur Rahman, as a cricketer, is unrelated to these political issues.

"But Mustafizur Rahman is a cricketer and has nothing to do with any of these things. He has not been personally accused of hate speech or attacks, or of condoning or defending such acts. He is a sportsman, and mixing these two things is simply not fair," Tharoor remarked.

Tharoor also argued against isolating neighbouring countries through sporting boycotts, suggesting it would not yield positive outcomes. He stated, "If India becomes a country that isolates all its neighbours and says nobody should play with them, it will not do any good. We need a big heart and a big mind in this matter."

The Role of Sports in Diplomacy

He stressed that the decision to select Rahman was purely based on sports and should remain unaffected by political influences. Tharoor believes that maintaining a separation between sports and politics is crucial for fostering goodwill among nations.

In conclusion, Tharoor's stance highlights the importance of keeping sports free from political entanglements. By doing so, he suggests that countries can maintain healthy relations while addressing political issues through appropriate diplomatic channels.

With inputs from PTI