Cricket in 2025: Triumphs and Tensions Amid Geopolitical Strife

In 2025, India dominated white-ball cricket while South Africa won the World Test Championship, shedding their 'bridesmaids' tag. Geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan disrupted international tournaments, highlighting nationalism's impact on sports. With notable victories for both men's and women's teams, cricket faced challenges both on and off the field.

In a dramatic year for global cricket, 2025 saw India assert dominance in white-ball formats while South Africa clinched the World Test Championship, ending their reputation for faltering in crucial moments. However, underlying geopolitical tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan, cast a long shadow over these achievements.

Relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors soured, culminating in a military conflict disrupting the Indian Premier League. Political hostility extended into the cricket field as India refused the Asia Cup trophy from Pakistan's interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, highlighting the intertwining of sport and nationalism. India's resolute performance against Pakistan, coupled with provocative gestures from both teams, led to sanctions from the ICC.

Meanwhile, in women's cricket, India secured their first World Cup victory, defeating Australia in a gripping semi-final. South Africa's historic triumph in the Test arena, beating Australia at Lord's, marked a significant milestone for the team. Despite these successes, challenges remain for other cricketing nations, such as England, whose aggressive 'Bazball' strategy faltered in the Ashes series.

(With inputs from agencies.)