"Keep politics out of cricket," says AIUDF leader Rafiqul Islam ahead of India–Pakistan T20 clash

As cricket fans across the globe gear up for the high-voltage India–Pakistan clash in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, AIUDF leader Rafiqul Islam on Sunday, February 15, called for keeping politics away from sports and urged both sides to uphold the spirit of the game.

Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated encounter, Islam expressed confidence in the Indian team’s performance, saying India should play well and continue to demonstrate its strength on the international stage.

Highlighting the unifying power of sports, the AIUDF leader said international tournaments such as the ICC T20 World Cup serve as platforms to foster goodwill and improve relations between nations. “Through sports, relations between one country and another improve. These games are played at an international level and must be conducted in good spirit,” he remarked.

He further stressed that political considerations should not interfere with sporting events. “Politics should not be brought into sports, and sports should not be played with political motives, no matter which country it is,” Islam said.

Reiterating his support for Team India, he added that Indian players are talented and capable, expressing hope that all participating nations would compete together in a healthy and sportsmanlike environment.

The India–Pakistan fixture remains one of the most anticipated contests in global cricket, often drawing intense emotions and massive viewership worldwide