This is regrettable, if understandable.

I say understandable because, without judging the BCCI’s decision either way, or commenting on the mandate, this is all just part and parcel of world affairs, and cricket is not, unfortunately, immune from what happens in other spheres.

We may not like it, but there it is.

And it has always been that way.

Those who say that sport didn’t used to be a victim of, or be manipulated by, world events are quite simply wrong.

There have been countless other examples of this phenomena in the past, and this is just another.

I’m afraid we’ll just have to take this on the chin, and try not to become judgemental or adopt partisan views.

I understand the reactions of the Pakistani players, but I also think that some of the political elements of their reaction, notably Latif’s references to boycotting Indian cricket and Ejaz Butt’s subtly menacing ”cricket with India is an essential component towards “normalizing relations with Pakistan.””

...are only throwing oil on the fire, and should be condemned by all true cricket fans.

After all, what else can you call that kind of comment but the politicising of cricket?

It’s exactly what they purport to be against....and they have fallen into the trap themselves.