Sick psyche

It was a disturbing déjà vu. The refusal of the Indian women's cricket team to receive the award from a bona fide ACC nominee, who happens to be a Pakistani, is an extension of the chauvinism increasingly evident in India's body politic. This was reminiscent of the controversial conduct of Suryakumar Yadav and his team during an Asia Cup match in Dubai last year, when they did not shake hands with the Green Shirts. This time around, Captain Kaur's remarks that the decision had been taken by the BCCI not to participate in the ceremony presided over by Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi point to a deep-rooted pattern of hostility and othering that is finding its way into the gentleman's game. It demonstrates how jaundiced bilateral relations have become, burying the spirit of sportsmanship to serve ulterior political motives. It reflects a troubling mentality and must be condemned by the cricket community.

This tendency to politicise sports is also undermining interaction in other areas of interstate relations. India's refusal to talk to Pakistan, coupled with acts of brinkmanship such as suspending the IWT and obstructing the lower riparian state's lawful share of water, has further aggravated bilateral tensions. Moreover, diplomatic relations remaining at their lowest ebb are hampering regional economic integration and costing a region that craves connectivity significant economic opportunities. This hostility is likewise scuttling opportunities for socio-cultural exchange. New Delhi, in fact, is serving no purpose by attempting to penalise Pakistan. Instead, it is harming its own image as a responsible player in global affairs.

India must decide once and for all whether it wants to play with Pakistan or not. Agreeing to be part of a hybrid model and then snubbing the Green Shirts at presentation ceremonies reflects a deeply troubling mindset. Such conduct allows political hostility to override the ethics, decency and civilisational norms that should govern international sport. Even bitter adversaries can show the maturity to stand together in moments of joy and sorrow. Indians who boast commitment to democratic and egalitarian values must resist the intrusion of political extremism into sport.