AIUDF leader Rafiqul Islam on Sunday, February 15, 2026, urged that politics be kept out of sport ahead of the high-voltage India–Pakistan clash in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, calling on both teams and fans to uphold the spirit of the game. He said the match should be a contest of skill and sportsmanship, not a forum for political messaging.
Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated fixture, Islam expressed confidence in India’s prospects, saying India should play well and continue to demonstrate its strength on the international stage. He praised Indian players as talented and capable, and said he hoped the team would perform with composure.
Islam highlighted the unifying power of international tournaments. “Through sports, relations between one country and another improve. These games are played at an international level and must be conducted in good spirit,” he said, arguing that events like the ICC T20 World Cup offer a platform for goodwill between nations.
He further stressed that political considerations must not interfere with sporting events. “Politics should not be brought into sports, and sports should not be played with political motives, no matter which country it is,” Islam said, urging leaders, broadcasters and supporters to focus on the game itself.
Reiterating his call for healthy competition, Islam said he hoped all participating nations would compete together in a sportsmanlike environment. The India–Pakistan fixture remains one of the most watched matches in world cricket, routinely drawing intense emotions and massive global viewership, a fact he said makes it all the more important to preserve the game’s spirit.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/keep-politics-out-of-cricket-says-aiudf-leader-rafiqul-islam-ahead-of-india-pakistan-t20-clash-1346534-2026-02-15?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-15 17:42:00
