World T20 safety concerns

After weeks of uncertainty laced with irresponsible remarks and political drama, Pakistan have finally been given the green light to participate in the World Twenty20, a development that came only after the men’s team’s match with India was moved from Dharamsala to Kolkata and security assurances were given from Indian governmental quarters. Pakistan had earlier sent a delegation to assess the security situation in India, which was left far from convinced, prompting a darker shadow over the country’s participation in the event. Pakistan’s fears were not unwarranted and its calls on the Indian government to give assurances on adequate security were certainly valid — especially after the Himachal Pradesh chief minister, in effect, stated that his state will not be able to guarantee the national team’s safety. While Pakistanis remained worried — their concerns validated on the back of the actions of angry Indian protestors last year who had forced some Pakistani celebrities out of India — officials on the other side of the border appeared almost nonchalant.

The entire scenario stemmed from political tensions between the two neighbours as well as domestic political compulsions in India, with every other individual and entity leaving no opportunity to score points. Cricket was hardly discussed, leaving Pakistan players, already suffering from low morale due to the Asia Cup mauling, distracted by yet another off-the-field event. The question now arises — if all it needed were governmental assurances to make Pakistan’s participation in the mega event possible, why were they given just four days before the national team’s first match? Why the delay? Why did India opt to display a misplaced sense of power when it should have played the role of the welcoming host? Was there something else at play within Indian politics that dragged Pakistani players into the mix? Concerns over security will remain and the players would have to bear the brunt of it. Pakistani fans will avoid going to India not just because of security threats, but also due to the Indian government’s reluctance to grant visas. On the cricketing front, while it’s true that Pakistan have never beaten India in a World Cup — and chances are that it may not happen this time either — if the national team does manage to pull off the ultimate surprise, one only hopes that Indian fans will take such an eventuality well. Anything different will just play into the hands of the hawks who don’t desire peace.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 13^th, 2016.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.