Wasim Jaffer Resigns Amid Claims of Bias in Player Selection, Sparking Concerns Over Rising Anti-Muslim Sentiment
Cricket in India, long regarded as a unifying force that transcends the nation’s religious divides, is facing a challenge to its secular tradition. The sport, once a symbol of unity, has become embroiled in controversy following allegations of religious bias that reflect the growing anti-Muslim sentiment under the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Wasim Jaffer, one of India’s most renowned cricketers and the highest run-scorer in Indian domestic cricket history, found himself at the center of this storm. Jaffer, who retired from playing in 2020 and became the coach of the Uttarakhand state team, resigned in early February, citing excessive interference and bias in team selection. He accused local administrators of choosing players based on favoritism rather than merit.
The situation took a religious turn when Jaffer was accused of favoring Muslim players for selection, as well as attempting to suppress team chants involving Hindu religious references. Senior figures from the Uttarakhand Cricket Association fired back, claiming Jaffer had brought in a Maulana (an Islamic religious leader) and sowed religious discord.
As cricket’s status as a symbol of India’s secularism is questioned, the controversy raises broader concerns about the impact of rising religious divides on the country’s cherished pastimes.
