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Cricket Governance Compromised by India's Political Influence

4/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack says India’s politicized dominance of global cricket is Orwellian.
Editor Lawrence Booth names Indian figures, including ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta and chairman Jay Shah.
He notes politics affected the 2025 Asia Cup, with India–Pakistan tensions altering interactions.
Booth cites Mustafizur Rahman, who lost a contract amid rising tensions, contributing to Bangladesh’s withdrawal.
He argues cricket governance is increasingly compromised by political interference.

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Story summary

The Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack says India’s politicized dominance of global cricket is Orwellian.
Editor Lawrence Booth names Indian figures, including ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta and chairman Jay Shah.
He notes politics affected the 2025 Asia Cup, with India–Pakistan tensions altering interactions.
Booth cites Mustafizur Rahman, who lost a contract amid rising tensions, contributing to Bangladesh’s withdrawal.
He argues cricket governance is increasingly compromised by political interference.