Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi questioned Indian sportsmanship before World Cup 2026 clash scheduled next month.
Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Afridi expressed disappointment over what he described as repeated instances where cricketing decisions in India appear influenced by non-sporting considerations.
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His remarks came amid renewed scrutiny of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, following controversy surrounding player availability linked to regional political tensions.
Referring to India, Shaheen Shah Afridi said, “People across the border, break the sportsman spirit.”
“Pakistan team is focused on playing cricket and we will respond in the ground,” he added.
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The BCCI recently instructed Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, a move criticised by several observers as politically motivated.
Afridi said such decisions damage the spirit of the game, stressing that cricket should remain separate from diplomatic or regional disputes between countries.
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He added that Indian authorities have repeatedly dragged politics into cricket, particularly in matches involving Pakistan, creating unnecessary pressure and hostility around sporting contests.
Afridi emphasised that players from Pakistan have always tried to uphold respect for the game, regardless of political narratives surrounding bilateral cricket.
