On Sunday, Shashi Tharoor criticized the BCCI’s decision to request KKR to release Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman, emphasizing that sports ought to remain distinct from politics.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday sharply condemned the BCCI’s recent decision instructing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to part ways with Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman.
In remarks to the news agency ANI, Tharoor stated that sports ought to remain distinct from politics and should not bear the burden of larger political conflicts.
“I expressed my opinion on this clearly from the beginning.” Tharoor stated, “I’ve maintained for a while that politics should remain separate from sport, or more accurately, that sport should not carry the primary weight of political shortcomings.”
He highlighted that India possesses various avenues for connecting with Bangladesh, noting current diplomatic engagements.
“The reality is that we are engaging with Bangladesh in numerous other ways, as we must.” A few days ago, our Foreign Minister visited to meet with the individual anticipated to be the probable victor in the upcoming election and, consequently, the expected Prime Minister.
“We are carrying out different facets of interaction with the citizens of Bangladesh,” he stated.
Regarding the delicate topic of recent assaults on minorities in Bangladesh, Tharoor pointed out that the Indian government is currently handling the issue through diplomatic means.
“Regarding the recent acts of violence against minorities, which I have personally condemned, we are already calling on the government to enforce law and order against these unruly individuals on the streets.” “At such a sensitive time, I believe this to have been an exceptionally regrettable and unwise choice,” he stated.Tharoor raised worries about social media anger affecting formal decisions.
“It’s concerning that we have witnessed social media outrage influencing policy.” “There are certain matters I believe should be free from this sort of issue,” he stated, emphasizing that cricket ought to stay unaffected by political disputes.
Mustafizur Rahman IPL Row: Shashi Tharoor Says Sport Shouldn’t Bear Political Burden
On January 3, Tharoor responded to the backlash regarding Mustafizur Rahman’s involvement in the IPL, emphasizing that the cricketer is not personally engaged in any political or communal controversies.
“Mustafizur Rahman plays cricket and is unrelated to any of these matters.” He has not faced any personal accusations of hate speech or supporting or justifying any attacks. “Combining these two elements is just not equitable,” he stated.
Tharoor had additionally warned against marginalizing neighboring nations due to political disagreements.
“If we turn into a nation that shuts out all our neighbors and claim no one is interacting with them, what benefits does that bring?” This is solely a sports decision, and we must avoid allowing politics to interfere with it. We encircle Bangladesh on three sides. They cannot be isolated. “We need to engage with them,” he mentioned.
The comments arise in the context of a discussion in India regarding Bangladeshi players’ involvement in the IPL, after facing criticism from certain political groups.
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