Omar Abdullah Lambasts Politicisation of India–Pakistan Cricket Clash
Abdullah argued that the distinction between athletic competition and political rivalry has all but vanished, especially when India and Pakistan meet on the field
JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, an ardent follower of cricket, on Tuesday offered a pointed critique of Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup group-stage match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
Speaking to reporters on the Assembly lawns here, he described the move as a predictable outcome of the increasingly blurred line between sports and politics—a trend he believes has damaged the spirit of the game.
Abdullah argued that the distinction between athletic competition and political rivalry has all but vanished, especially when India and Pakistan meet on the field. He noted that media narratives routinely elevate these matches into symbolic battles, framing them as confrontations far beyond the boundaries of sport. “We have completely lost the ability to separate sports from politics. Time and again, especially through the media, every India–Pakistan match is portrayed as if it were a battlefield. It is never treated like an ordinary sporting contest,” he said.
According to him, this sensationalism fuels unnecessary tension and transforms what should be a straightforward contest into a charged national spectacle. He lamented that India–Pakistan fixtures are treated dramatically differently from India’s matches against other nations, which rarely receive the same fevered attention. This disproportionate scrutiny, he suggested, creates the perfect environment for controversies like Pakistan’s selective withdrawal to take shape.
The backdrop to Pakistan’s stance lies in broader regional tensions. Bangladesh had earlier been removed from the tournament after the ICC rejected its request to shift matches away from India due to security concerns. Pakistan’s government framed its refusal to play India as an act of solidarity with Bangladesh. The ICC, however, responded sharply, warning Pakistan of serious consequences for opting out of a single match while remaining in the tournament—an action the council views as undermining the fairness and integrity of global sporting events.
When asked about the recently presented J&K budget, Abdullah declined to comment outside the Assembly, stating that he would address all matters comprehensively within the House. He maintained that legislative discussions should remain within their proper forum.
On questions regarding alleged remarks by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Parliament, Abdullah emphasised procedural propriety. He noted that decisions on such matters rest with the Speaker and that discussions from one legislative body should not spill into another. He added that he was not fully aware of the details surrounding the issue and therefore would not speculate.
Addressing the Congress party’s call for a coordination committee, Abdullah drew a clear line between his governmental responsibilities and party affairs. He reiterated that his primary role is serving as Chief Minister, while Dr. Farooq Abdullah continues as president of the National Conference. Any questions about party-level decisions, he said, should be directed to the party leadership rather than to him in his administrative capacity.