The decision by Bangladesh to pull out of the T20 World Cup hosted in India has ignited a firestorm of opinions. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, head of All India Muslim Jamaat, entered the fray from Bareilly, demanding that cricket boards prioritize humanitarian concerns over the game.
In a candid interview, Razvi pointed fingers at the BCCI’s ties to the government. ‘They can’t turn a blind eye to the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh,’ he said emphatically. ‘Current events demand that we reflect these truths in our sporting choices. Fans will applaud principled decisions but shun matches that ignore injustice.’
Detailing the volatility, Razvi noted how extremists in Bangladesh are unleashing violence on non-Muslims. ‘Indian soil isn’t welcoming for their players right now,’ he declared, urging a boycott until conditions improve.
Turning to domestic voices, he refuted Kerala Jamaat-e-Islami’s anti-caliphate rhetoric. ‘Nonsense,’ Razvi shot back. ‘Islamic governance has been embraced globally, influencing laws that promote equity and respect. Look at constitutions today—they embody lessons from the Prophet on justice and human rights.’
As the cricket fraternity buzzes, Razvi’s intervention highlights a broader call: sports must align with ethics. With the World Cup on the horizon, his stance could sway public sentiment and force a rethink on international ties.
