The upcoming 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India is being viewed as highly politicized, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) using the tournament as a platform for their political agenda. The BJP’s control and influence in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have raised concerns about the political dimensions of the World Cup. From the naming of stadiums to the choice of venues, every decision made by the BCCI is being scrutinized in a political light. Some observers suggest that the BJP is using the World Cup as a launch pad for a third term in office, and there are even speculations that a victory by the Indian team could prompt early elections.

Historically, cricket in India has always been linked to politics. In the past, the prime minister or president would meet every victorious team, and bad performances would even lead to questions in parliament. However, the BJP has taken the nexus between politics and cricket to a new level, with their extensive control of the BCCI. The party’s direct involvement in the World Cup is through its secretary Jay Shah, who is the son of India’s powerful home minister and Modi’s right-hand man, Amit Shah.

The construction of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s biggest cricket stadium, is a physical manifestation of the amalgamation of Indian cricket and contemporary politics. The stadium, which can seat as many as 132,000 spectators, was named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi while he is still in office. It is considered a symbol of the BJP’s Hindu nationalism and is expected to host the opening match, the final, and the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match.

Critics argue that the BJP’s influence over the BCCI and the organization of the World Cup is blurring the line between sports and politics. Every decision made by the BCCI, such as the schedule and the choice of venues, is being viewed through the lens of politics. The decision not to hold matches in Mohali, for example, is seen as a snub against the state of Punjab, which voted for one of the BJP’s political rivals in the state elections. The BJP’s handling of the World Cup has also faced criticism, but any criticism is seen as an attack on the BJP and is thus avoided in the mainstream media.

The World Cup’s highly politicized nature extends beyond the BCCI’s decisions. The Indian government’s delay in issuing visas for the Pakistan team and the difficulties faced by the team during their warm-up game have raised eyebrows. In the media, Indian cricket and the national team have become symbols of Hindu nationalism, with coverage focusing on India’s dominance over its rivals, particularly Pakistan. However, the warm welcome received by the Pakistan team on their arrival in India suggests a more nuanced reality.

Despite some downplaying the politicization of the World Cup, there are concerns about potential pitfalls if the Indian team stumbles. The BJP’s reaction and people’s response in such a scenario remain uncertain. With such political stakes loaded onto the tournament, the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup could have significant implications for Indian politics and the BJP’s future.