New Delhi: ‘Terror and Talks can’t go together, Terror and Trade can’t go together.’ These lines echoed from every nook and corner of the country few months back when hostilities between India and Pakistan broke after 26 nationals were mercilessly killed in their territory, for no fault of theirs and we retailed firmly. So is the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup battle on Sunday hurting the sentiments or are we being too emotional?
In light of the heinous crimes the ‘so-called neighbours’ have been committing on Indian land since years, doesn’t a cricket match damage the emotions further? Or if it does act like a medicine on the plethora of wounds, offering a chance to mend the strained socio-political relations, then what’s the hue and cry all about?
Fans in the country don’t seem to be divided over the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash in Dubai on Sunday as a unified voice questions that how can terror and cricket go together. The high-octane clash between the Asian rivals has once again raised the political temperature in the country as terror, cricket and politics are together facing a big collision, a collision which seems to be like a never-ending battle.
Financial interest over national sentiments
Whether we like to accept it or not but compulsion to participate is not the only reason, if at all it is, why India has decided to play against Pakistan in the continental showpiece. It is worth mentioning that few people from the political sphere have been vivid about obligation being the whole and sole reason for the two cricket teams to unite on the ground. But is that so or is it not?
If we try to term it aptly, cricket in India is more than an economic juggernaut with the India vs Pakistan clash standing at the pinnacle. With revenue from multiple sources, high financial stakes involved in the battle is one of the main reasons why the stakeholders involved don’t want to lose on the lucrative monetary benefits. Benefits that can earn them much, benefits that can be kept above emotions as well.
Separate sports and politics
While there have been voices saying across quarters that we need to see a difference between sports and politics but for a country which has emotions on its sleeves, it is tad difficult to think in the way. It is understood that the Pakistan cricketers who will be playing on the day of the game don’t come anywhere close to the perpetrators of April 26 massacre but for India, the geographical identity is enough to reignite and feel the pain.
Understandably in a country like India, it is tough to separate two spheres which are interrelated in a particular manner but what’s the solution to all this? With India not travelling to Pakistan for any sporting event and with the latter also not being invited in the territory, shouldn’t the people stay contented or the request for ‘no business’ with the neighbours seems genuine. For all those who say the game should go on, the latest political stir and backlash in the country is the answer.
Playing in multilateral, boon or bane?
What has further aggravated the pain is the clearance given by the Government of India to engage in cricketing ties with Pakistan in only multinational events. The Indian cricket board has cleared its stance saying that neither the players nor BCCI is at fault as it has received a green signal only after a proper consultation with the government.
Many people from the political sphere and the Indian cricketing fraternity have even argued that India stopped playing bilateral cricket with Pakistan since years and it’s only at the multilateral events, which don’t take place so often, that these two rival nations meet. But the question that arises here is how does playing in just big events reduce the wounds and pain and keep the emotions in control?
Another thing which has irked the fans is that not many cricketers from the Indian fraternity have chosen to speak over the crucial issue as the Asia Cup clash continues to spark fire in and around. Had emotions being addressed by multiple voices, the scenario would have expectedly been better but carefree attitude have given birth to just negativity and anger.
Though, sport has the power to change the world and unite people in a manner that nothing else does, the question still remains that will the India vs Pakistan encounter on the cricket field serve as a bridge and unify people across borders amid political tensions. If it’s able to do things amicably, nothing else would be preferred but if it fails and the issue lingers on, are we ready with options that nullify hatred among neighbours?