Keep politics out of cricket

Cricket is more than just a sport in South Asia. It is part of everyday life. Families gather around the television, friends debate over players and entire cities celebrate victories together. For many people, cricket brings joy and unity. That is why the recent boycott involving India and Pakistan during the ICC T20 tournament in Colombo in 2026 has disappointed fans across the region.

Sports should bring people together, not divide them. Cricket, often called a gentleman’s game, is built on respect, discipline and fair play. When politics begins to decide who plays and who does not, the spirit of the game suffers. Players who train for years lose opportunities, and fans who wait eagerly for matches are left upset.

Sri Lanka has always welcomed international cricket warmly. Colombo has hosted many unforgettable matches where fans from different countries came together peacefully. Cricket events also help the economy, bringing visitors who fill hotels, restaurants and shops. When matches are boycotted or cancelled, not only cricket suffers,  but also the people who depend on such events for income.

The India Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the biggest in the world. Matches between the two teams attract millions of viewers. Stadiums are packed and television audiences reach record numbers. But when politics interfere, cricket becomes a victim of issues that players and fans cannot control.

Sport should remain separate from political disputes. Athletes dedicate their lives to representing their countries. Preventing them from competing due to political tensions is unfair. Fans also lose the chance to enjoy high quality cricket.

There have been times in history when cricket helped reduce tensions between countries. Teams toured nations even when political relations were difficult. Matches allowed leaders and people to meet and communicate. Cricket sometimes opened doors where politics failed. That positive role of sport should not be forgotten.

Today, however, cricket seems to be increasingly affected by political decisions. Participation in tournaments sometimes appears to depend more on diplomatic relations than sporting schedules. When this happens, cricket loses its independence and becomes part of political conflicts.

Sri Lanka understands how important sport can be in bringing people together. After years of conflict, cricket victories united the nation. People from different communities celebrated together. Cricket provided moments of shared happiness and reminded everyone that they belonged to one country. International cricket too,  should carry the same message of unity.

Fans often spend large amounts of money and travel long distances to watch matches. Some plan holidays around tournaments. When games are suddenly cancelled or boycotted, the disappointment is deep. Small businesses around stadiums also lose income. Many people are affected when cricket stops.

Cricket administrators and political leaders must remember that the game belongs to the people. It should not be used to send political messages. Organisations like the ICC exist to keep cricket fair and free from political pressure. Strong leadership is needed to protect the sport.

Interestingly, players themselves often show better sportsmanship than politicians. Many cricketers maintain friendships across borders despite political tensions. Fans admire these friendships because they show the true spirit of the game. Rivalry should remain only on the field and end with a handshake.

Refusing to play matches does not solve political disputes. Those issues must be handled through diplomacy and dialogue. Cricket should remain a space where competition is healthy and respectful.

The situation in Colombo should be a lesson. If cricket continues to be politicised, future tournaments may lose excitement. Young fans growing up with cancelled matches may slowly lose interest in the sport. That would be a great loss for a game loved across generations.

The solution is simple. Once players enter the field, politics must stay outside the stadium. Let matches be decided by skill and teamwork. Let fans enjoy the game without worrying about international tensions. Let cricket remain what it has always been at its best, a gentleman’s game.

Sri Lanka, a country that deeply loves cricket, should continue to support sport remaining above politics. Cricket should once again become a symbol of unity and mutual respect. The world needs activities that bring people together, not push them apart.

In the end, cricket is only a game. But sometimes games remind us of values that politics forgets. Respect your opponent. Play fair. Shake hands at the end. And remember that sport is strongest when it builds bridges, not walls.