Sports

Former Indian spinner ridicules idea of keeping sports and politics apart

Maninder Singh says 'No, no and a big, big no' to the idea of Pakistan-India series in December

Sports Desk July 28, 2015

Maninder was all-out against the prospect of Pakistan-India cricketing ties being revived. PHOTO: AFP

Former Indian left-arm spinner Maninder Singh believes that keeping sports and politics separate to propagate the idea of a Pakistan-India series is a ridiculous idea.

"People talk about sports and politics, that both shouldn't be mixed. But let me tell you, it is bullsh*t!" Maninder said, while talking to IBNLive, in reaction to the Gurdaspur terror attack.

"I mean, people say that cricket will build the bridges between both the countries. General [Pervez] Musharraf used to say that and then he had that Kargil war. So, no. Unless and until the mindset changes, I don't think it can happen or should happen."

Maninder, long-known for his in-your-face remarks and unbarred speaking-his-mind comments, didn’t change his normal course of discourse. He stated clearly that there was no possible way to schedule a series between the two countries.

"First of all, I want to know who is saying India is playing Pakistan. It is just talks," said Maninder.

Read: No peace, no cricket

"I don't know who is saying it. Unless and until you get a nod from the government or top officials, it is not going to happen. It is just a talk.

"I don't see it happening unless the political situation improves. And it is very sad what happened in Gurdaspur, it is very unfortunate.”

When asked if he would like Pakistan and India to resume cricketing ties, the spinner adamantly rejected the idea saying: "No, no and a big, big no. I am very patriotic and I love my country; and if these things keep happening to our country, then, I am sorry, No [cricket]."

Earlier on Monday, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Anurg Thakur rejected the idea of a proposed series between Pakistan and India in December citing the attack on the police station in Indian Punjab as the main reason.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had always maintained the stance of keeping cricket and politics apart when it comes to resuming the ties. However, BCCI has time and again looked back at their government to get a positive nod for the revival.

COMMENTS (2)

OpenEyes | 9 years ago | Reply Cricket and Other Sports are good. People of both countries want to see sports happening between the two countries. However India's latest strategy is something else. To defame Pakistan even in the sports circle that Pakistan is a terrorist country. The Gurdaspur event was event not ended, Investigations did not started and BCCI declared we dont wanna play with Pakistan. I think PCB should also announce that Cricket with India Impossible until they end Sponsoring Terrorism in Pakistan.

Hassan | 9 years ago | Reply The statement of Maninder Singh is totally biased which clearly indicates that in India extremism has spread even in sports while they alleged Pakistan in each and every incident occured in their country. One would not be wonder if India blames Pakistan for their growing population and birth rate.

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