- As the ongoing T20 ICC World Cup approaches the business end, some of the fast-unfolding events leading up to the commencement of the tournament have hit the headlines more often than they really mattered for the advancement of the sport itself. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) pulling out of the marquee event, citing security concerns, can be construed as more of politics than anything else. Out of the blue, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), threatening to pull out of the league stage encounter against India, ostensibly as a sign of solidarity with the BCB, again showed how deeply politics has made its way into sports. It’s another matter altogether that the PCB eventually made a U-turn, and the much-awaited game went ahead.
PC: The Times of India
- Of course, the U-turn was necessitated by a huge amount of money riding on the match courtesy of sponsors, broadcasters, and the business entities having pumped in unprecedented money for the crucial encounter between the two arch-rivals. Remember, the rivalry between the two teams is legendary, invoking tremendous interest among all stakeholders. However, the moot point to ponder over here is whether the once mouth-watering encounters between the two neighbouring cricket giants are increasingly becoming too one-sided, favouring Team India. The answer must be an unequivocal yes since the statistics between the two teams reveal how Team India has subdued the opposition Pakistan with such alarming regularity, especially in the ICC-sponsored events.
PC: The Hindu
- All the hype surrounding the India-Pakistan encounter on the field of cricket is turning out to be just that, media-created hype. Team India, in terms of quality of cricketers, skill sets, preparations, and execution, has proved superior to Team Pakistan in more than one way over the last few years. The ease with which Team India has been able to best the opposition around the world and at different events simply showcases the yawning gap between the two. Even player-to-player, Team India is superior, with so many world-class performers stepping up when the chips are down to comfortably overcome whatever the opposition could offer as challenges. What is wrong with the once such an extremely talented bunch of Pakistani players who were so competent till recently?
PC: Rediff
- True cricket connoisseurs and fans alike would know that the Pakistani team always had great bowlers, especially pacers, who were not only world-class but also could win the game on their own by neutralizing the opponents through sheer talent and variety. In comparison, Team India was always blessed with superlative batters perfectly capable of scoring against any attack. While Team India has strengthened its bowling arsenal alongside unearthing new batting superstars, the Pakistani side has consistently failed to live up to the massive expectations of late. Little wonder, Team India has been successful in pulverizing Pakistan time and again in a largely one-sided affair. The gleaming Indian supporters are not complaining, though.
