Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has stated that cricket should not be burdened by political issues, specifically concerning attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. He defended the Kolkata Knight Riders' selection of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman, arguing that the player is not personally implicated in any wrongdoing. Tharoor emphasized that India should maintain diplomatic pressure on Bangladesh regarding minority protection while keeping sports separate, cautioning against isolating neighboring countries.