Mohammad Rizwan Urges Cricket to Rise Above Politics

Cricket between Pakistan and India has taken a back seat once again as political tensions between the two neighbours continue to escalate, but Pakistan’s ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan has urged the two nations to keep the sport clear of political interference.

Speaking to Cricket Pakistan, the Multan Sultans’ captain made a rare public comment on the broader tensions affecting regional cricketing ties.

“There should be no politics in cricket. I don’t know what’s happening between Pakistan and India—I don’t use social media,” Mohammad Rizwan said, offering a candid perspective that reflects his belief in the game’s unifying power.

Rizwan’s comment comes as cricketing ties between the two countries have reached their closest breaking point in recent memory. There has been political animosity between Pakistan and India before, but not to this extent, where former cricketers and pundits are openly asking their boards to sever cricketing relations with each other.

The Asia Cup 2025 faces an uncertain future as well, with reports suggesting that India and Pakistan may not face each other at all. The Women’s ODI World Cup could see a similar fate, where Pakistan will be one of the eight participants.

Rizwan, however, kept his focus on the human side of the game. “When we meet players like Virat Kohli and Joe Root, we interact like a cricketing family. We learn from them, and they learn from us too,” he added, underlining the mutual respect and camaraderie that exist between players, regardless of national affiliations.

This sentiment is not new for Rizwan, who has often been praised for his humility and conduct on and off the field. But in this moment, it carries particular weight. His words highlight a recurring truth in international sport: while politics may divide, cricket has the power to connect.

Whether or not the Asia Cup sees a renewal of the famed rivalry, Mohamamad Rizwan’s message is a timely reminder of the spirit in which the game is meant to be played.