India–Pakistan cricket: now more political than ever?

The field of play has long served as a proxy for the shifting diplomatic tides of the subcontinent, but the lead-up to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has pushed this relationship into uncharted territory. From the high-stakes standoff over participation to the emergence of “handshake protocols” as a form of silent protest, the sport is increasingly entangled in a complex web of state policy and public sentiment.

As traditional cricket diplomacy gives way to a period of institutional friction and economic brinkmanship, the “gentleman’s game” is facing its biggest test yet.

Can it still exist as a bridge between nations, or has it become just another theatre of conflict? Join The Hindu for an in-depth exploration of this deepening divide.