Diplomacy on the pitch
This development marks a softening in relations between the two countries on the whole. Things have quite obviously cooled down on the political front. This is a good omen for all. Cricket can pave the way for greater harmony on many other matters and for a sense of normalcy as far as relations in the region go. The significance of the BCCI offer then reaches out far beyond the game of cricket itself.
There is nothing that generates quite as much sporting excitement as a cricket contest between Pakistan and India. This tour will help build a sense of trust between the two nations that we so badly need even though, ironically enough, it will come in an intensely competitive environment with the two teams undoubtedly battling it out fiercely, but even as they do so, they will be creating links that may turn out to be vital to the future of their countries. This is an important service and one that will stand us in very good stead for the future given the need to develop warmer bilateral ties with India after a stand-off that has already lasted far too long and set both countries back quite a long way in terms of solving mutual problems.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2012.
COMMENTS (23)
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Unfortunately Pakistan has not learned and still not learning its lesson from on again off again isolation for the last 12 years. It is not mutually beneficial relationship anymore. India does not care much, as can be seen by comments from them on this board. Pakistan's need not worry about diplomatic relations, rather we should focus on solving our own problems and work towards self sufficiency, establish PPL and broaden cricket's base internally. Things will fall in place cnce we do that and stop internal terrorism which is taking innocent lives everyday.
This recent series is announced after PCB bent backwards and begged them to 'please' play with us without conditions and were delighted when they 'granted' us and were just happy for their nazr-e-karam. India 'can' and 'they will' cut it off any time for any reason they want.
We should take this partial isolation as an opportunity to stand on our own feet
@fatima All the pro-Indians out there, what do you say about SAMJHOTA EXPRESS?
it should be stopped immediately
All the pro-Indians out there, what do you say about SAMJHOTA EXPRESS?
@ashok sai: Please man, your government disregards our prosecutors who eagerly came to India officially to collect information for the case but your government denied them any access to the prisoners or any intelligence. How on earth do you expect anyone in Pakistan to respond to that? Seems a bit shady no?
@Pankaj: And we want to take action, why were our prosecutors not given access to the prisoners upon their visit?
@futureofpak..... I can reply with the language that u understand but I won't .... we can't move on the victims of mumbai...until and unless you take action against the culprits...who are roaming free and vomiting venom against India.
some of you indians who comment on this newspaper sound like serious right-wing, fundoo, nutcase types. hard core racist terrorist types. take it easy guys. we should all strive for improving ourselves and moving on.
@hammad and ali....politics has everything to do with sport....
don't forget the boycott of south africa and moscow olympics
When a gaint like Gavaskar says no, this tour will not happen. Pakistanis will learn the folly of not taking action on Mumbai attackers. Mumbai incident is too big to ignore. Very soon Indan government will know how angry people are with this....
The mother of all battles in cricket is between India-Pakistan. Both countries would love to watch this but we are still awaiting for your promises made. No such action and on the contrary trying to bury it. Sorry no dice.
Jesus! Please. Let's keep cricket what it is: a sport. It shouldn't have anything to do with politics.
There is no way this tour will get underway otherwise ruling Congress will have to pay a heavy price in coming elections. Just think why this was suspended for the past 4 years by India, is India got what it wants from Pakistan with respect to 26/11 ???
Justice for victims of Mumbai attacks is more important than cricket. If BCCI does not understand this, we will make it understand.
@Pankaj: And what about the innocent Pakistani muslims victims whose were burnt alive in the Samjhota Express' incident by some extremist Hindus???????? And please never forget it that games and politics are the two different things and which can never be the same.......
@Pankaj: And what about the innocent Pakistani muslims victims whose were burnt alive in the Samjhota Express' incident by some extremist Hindus????????
Pakistan team is not welcome. It is not just 26/11; so long as the syllabus in schools instill venom is young and impressionable minds, there should be no dealings with Pakistan. Besharam Controllers of Cricket in India (BCCI)
take it easy my indian peeps, we also want justice for the mumbai perpretators, in a fair way, and we are working towards it. but come on guys, cricket will build the love again, why do u hold the whole nation responsible for some sad, pathetic rogue elements. we condemn mumbai attacks vehemently
This Indo_Pak bilateral Cricket instead of building trust may end up to inflame passion by imprudent statements like Mr Shahid Afridi made for Indians after his team lost World Cup semi Final to India.Mercurial players like Shahid Afridi and Soab Akhtar (who cast aspersion on Tendulkar) are sufficient to snap any ties to be built.
NO Pakistanis in India invited ..PLZ
@Vikas: Go tell that to your cricket board. You are barking at a wrong place bud.
This is why I like dhoni !! He is not like ordinary Indians , he thinks big !
Pakistan, for gods sake, we don't want to see you guys in India. Period.
what about the mumbai victims ?
our Govt. has proved once again that we are a soft state.