Wisden Critiques India’s "Orwellian" Governance in Cricket

Introduction: The Impact of Politics on Cricket

The upcoming 2026 Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, set to be released on Thursday, reveals a stark critique of cricket’s politicization, particularly under India’s influence. The publication states that the game, once a refuge from real-world politics, is now deeply ensnared in the political narrative of the nation.

Politicisation of Cricket: An Orwellian Reality

In the "Notes by the Editor" section of this 163rd edition, editor Lawrence Booth expresses concern over cricket becoming a strategic element on the BJP’s geopolitical chessboard. He emphasizes that the sport has lost its purity, allowing politics to overshadow the game.

Barbed Comments on Governance

Booth quotes Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, who remarked that "politics and sport can’t go together." Ironically, Naqvi also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, highlighting the complex entanglement of politics and sports governance. Booth argues that this statement points to the troubling state of cricket’s administration.

The Controversial Asia Cup: A Case Study

Reflecting on the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup, Booth describes how the tournament turned into a farcical spectacle rather than a sporting event. Amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, players engaged in tasteless gestures related to military conflicts. India even declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi, further illustrating how political disputes have seeped into the cricketing arena.

The BCCI and BJP Connection

The relationship between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and India’s ruling party has become increasingly evident. Booth notes that this connection was particularly highlighted when India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, dedicated victories against Pakistan to the armed forces, signaling cricket’s role as a proxy for military actions.

An Orwellian Future for Cricket

Booth laments that cricket’s governance is becoming increasingly Orwellian, with the notion of Indian exceptionalism coming with dire consequences. He cites the Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to release Mustafizur Rahman as further evidence of cricket falling under the sway of political powers.

Conclusion: The Future of Cricket in India

As highlighted in the new Wisden Almanack, the interplay between politics and sport raises significant questions about the future of cricket in India. What was once a unifying force now risks becoming a divisive political tool, challenging the essence of the game itself.

In summary, Wisden’s extensive critique sheds light on the alarming trend of politicization in cricket and calls for a return to its roots as a space free from the shadows of governance and geopolitics.