The UK's Wisden Cricketers' Almanack (a cricket publication founded in 1864 and considered the sport's authoritative record) has sharply criticised what it describes as an unhealthy and politicised Indian grip on international cricket, calling the situation "increasingly Orwellian." Editor Lawrence Booth, writing in the 163rd annual edition, pointed to the dual roles held by officials such as ICC chairman Jay Shah — son of India's home affairs minister — and highlighted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's post-match comment likening India's Asia Cup victory over Pakistan to "Operation Sindoor on the games field," a reference to a recent military operation that left dozens dead on both sides of the border. Booth also cited Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman's removal from his IPL contract amid diplomatic tensions, a move that ultimately led to Bangladesh being dropped from this year's men's T20 World Cup, as evidence of the real-world consequences when cricket becomes entangled with geopolitics.