Sarfaraz Khan Snub Sparks Political Firestorm
What began as a routine team selection controversy has rapidly escalated into a heated political debate, with India’s two major parties clashing over allegations of religious bias in cricket. The flashpoint? The exclusion of promising batter Sarfaraz Khan from the India ‘A’ squad—a decision that has reignited conversations about merit, representation, and communal harmony in Indian sports.
Why Was Sarfaraz Khan Left Out?
Sarfaraz Khan, the 27-year-old Mumbai all-rounder, boasts an impressive first-class record: over 5,000 runs at an average above 60, including multiple centuries in the Ranji Trophy. Most recently, he scored a fighting century in his last international outing, earning praise from fans and former players alike.
Yet, when the India ‘A’ squad was announced for the upcoming tour, his name was missing. The omission raised eyebrows, especially given his consistent domestic performances and recent form.
Congress Accuses Gambhir of Religious Bias
Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed didn’t mince words. In a strongly worded statement, she alleged that India’s newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir, was making selections based on religion rather than merit.
“When a player like Sarfaraz Khan, with such a stellar record, is repeatedly ignored, questions arise. Is this about cricket—or something else?”
Mohamed’s comments quickly went viral, drawing support from sections of the cricketing community and sparking outrage on social media.
BJP Hits Back: ‘Don’t Divide India’
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly condemned the allegations. Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called the claims “dangerous” and “divisive,” warning against using sports to fuel communal narratives.
“Desh ka partition karke mann nahi bhara kya? (Hasn’t dividing the country once been enough?)” Poonawalla retorted. “Cricket selections must stay apolitical and merit-based. Let’s not drag religion into the dressing room.”
His remarks underscored the BJP’s stance that national unity should never be compromised for political point-scoring.
What Do the Numbers Say?
To assess the controversy objectively, here’s a snapshot of Sarfaraz Khan’s recent performance compared to other middle-order batters in domestic cricket:
| Player | First-Class Avg (Last 3 Seasons) | Centuries | India ‘A’ Call-ups (2024–25) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarfaraz Khan | 62.4 | 12 | 0 |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 54.1 | 9 | 3 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 58.7 | 10 | 2 |
| Abhimanyu Easwaran | 51.3 | 8 | 4 |
While stats don’t tell the full story—team balance, opposition, and future potential also matter—Sarfaraz’s numbers undeniably stack up.
Cricket Experts Weigh In
Former selector Saba Karim urged caution: “Selection is complex. But consistent performers deserve fair opportunities, regardless of background.”
Meanwhile, ex-captain Sourav Ganguly emphasized transparency: “If selectors explain their rationale publicly, it builds trust. Silence fuels speculation.”
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t the first time cricket and politics have intersected in India. From the 1999 match-fixing scandal to team selections during election seasons, the sport has often mirrored the nation’s socio-political currents.
But in today’s hyper-polarized climate, even a squad omission can become a flashpoint. The real casualty? The spirit of sport itself.
Sources
- The Times of India: “Desh ka partition karke mann nahi bhara kya?”
- ESPNcricinfo Player Stats Database
- BCCI Official Statements (October 2025)