From cricket diplomacy to cold war: Why the India–Pakistan cricket rivalry may never be just a game again.

For decades, cricket between India and Pakistan has been more than just a sport; it has been a complex interplay of national pride, political tension, and occasional diplomatic opportunities. The term "cricket diplomacy" was first coined in 1987 when Pakistan's President Zia-ul-Haq attended a match in India during a period of heightened border tensions, using the game as a pretext to meet with Rajiv Gandhi and defuse the situation.

However, recent events suggest that this era of cricket diplomacy may be coming to an end, with the rivalry increasingly reflecting the frosty relations between the two nations. The upcoming Twenty20 (T20) World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is the latest stage for this escalating tension.

The most recent illustration of this breakdown of diplomacy is Pakistan's decision to boycott their match against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled for February 15 in Sri Lanka. This decision, allegedly directed by the Pakistani government, is seen as a political protest, further highlighting the intrusion of politics into sports. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor described the boycott as "pretty disgraceful" and condemned the politicization of sports.

This boycott follows an already strained relationship, exacerbated by incidents such as the Indian cricket team's refusal to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts during the 2025 Asia Cup. Furthermore, after winning the final, the Indian team declined to accept the trophy because it was being presented by the Asian Cricket Council Chairman, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister.

Historically, cricket has served as a means to ease tensions, with leaders from both sides using matches as opportunities for informal talks. For instance, in 2005, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf visited Delhi to watch an ODI match, leading to discussions that would have been unthinkable just years prior. In 2011, Yousaf Raza Gilani, then Prime Minister of Pakistan, attended the Cricket World Cup semi-final in India.

Despite these instances of "cricket diplomacy," the underlying political issues have consistently disrupted the sporting relationship. The Kargil War in 1999 led to India severing cricketing ties, and there have been no bilateral tournaments between the two nations since 2007. Matches have largely been restricted to ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.

The intensity surrounding India-Pakistan matches is undeniable. A CNN report stated that the match is "five times bigger than the Super Bowl," potentially exceeding 500 million viewers. This immense viewership is fueled by the rivalry's deep roots in geopolitical tensions and its significance to over 1.6 billion people.

Danish Kaneria, a former Pakistani spinner, criticized the boycott, stating that it projects a negative image and suggests that Pakistan is afraid of facing India. He also noted that Pakistan's request to play at neutral venues had already been granted, making the boycott even more difficult to justify.

While sports are often seen as a unifying force, the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry appears to be increasingly mirroring the broader political climate. The dream of cricket diplomacy fostering peace and understanding seems to be fading as political tensions continue to cast a long shadow over the game. It remains to be seen whether this iconic rivalry can ever return to being just a game.