- Cricket is a religion in the subcontinent, especially in India and Pakistan, an indisputable fact that millions will corroborate unequivocally. Such is the craze, frenzy, and huge following that cricketers are placed on a pedestal and treated like demigods. Some of the famous Indian cricketers are considered hugely popular celebrities at par with the best in the business from diverse fields. By the humongous population – did someone say demographic dividend – Indian cricket and cricketers command such traction and heft among the sporting world that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) simply rules the roost. Little wonder, 70% of the cricketing revenue is generated from India making the BCCI a powerhouse. This is well well-established norm now.
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- As you are aware, the bilateral relations between the two cricket-mad countries India and Pakistan are anything but cordial because of the cross-border terrorism perpetrated with such impunity by our Western neighbour. Thus, the Indian government and in turn, the BCCI have consistently refused to cross the borders to indulge in any bilateral cricket series over the last decade-plus years. Indeed, it makes little sense to indulge Pakistan in sporting activities when dastardly terrorist-related activities keep resulting in the killings of innocent lives here. It’s easier said than done to make grandiose announcements like keeping sports far away from politics etcetera. There’s no way any government would go against the majority sentiment on the matter.
- We know the International Cricket Council (ICC) sponsored 50-over Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan early next year. The BCCI has now conveyed that Team India will not travel to Pakistan to play in the multilateral event. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC are in a quandary with the refusal of Team India to play in the country. Yes, the hybrid model where Team India has participated at a neutral venue earlier is an option that could be explored. However, the PCB appears to have shown no inclination to humour the Indian concerns by refusing to accede to this request. As reports suggest, the ICC is mulling to relocate the entire Champions Trophy to some other country if things do not work out to Team India’s liking.
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- Let’s not beat around the bush here. Past incidents of terrorist attacks on visiting cricket teams and bomb explosions are still fresh in the minds of the global community. Other cricket teams have made frequent visits to Pakistan in the last few years showing improved security situations. Nonetheless, the Indian concerns are not only different but also valid since terrorists spread around Pakistan will always remain a threat to the safety of the cricketers even though a top-notch security apparatus will be in place to protect visiting teams. Thus, the BCCI’s decision to not travel to Pakistan is on expected lines and rightly too. It will be interesting to see how the ICC and PCB will act on the prickly situation in the coming days.
