Pride & Prejudice: India and the World Cup By Oroba Tasnim

Cricket is known as the sports of gentlemen. Yet, over the years, greed, enmity and hatred have seeped through, into the game. And it’s a shame really, because it’s pure entertainment to watch. With growing commercialization, corruption scandals and the takeover by the Big3, many have started doubting at the expense of it all.

There are still people out there who believe in the purity of the game, who go completely ballistic at the opportunity to watch an amazing game of cricket and who simply wait for a brand of game that unites us all. It wasn’t that long ago when the entire cricketing world came together for the unfortunate death of Phil Hughes. Not only did they stand with the family of the fallen, but they went across to console the bowler whose bouncer killed the young man, Sean Abbott. There were those who argued that it had become a symbol of prestige and pride, but this incident bashed all critics. Once again, it was proven that cricket united all.

So when reservations regarding the declaration of India as a host for T20 World Cup 2016 arose in Pakistan, there were people out there who shunned them viciously, claiming that no political gimmicks would be played. It’s just a game, after all and what better entertainment than Pakistan Vs India in India itself. To say the least, no one had expected the Chief Minister of a province in India to threaten the Pakistani team and announce the digging of the pitch if Pakistan played under his authority.

And so the debate hitched up once again. Is playing a sport worth risking the lives of our beloved cricket team? Or is it a much needed step to undermine the growing hatred condensing in our neighboring country?

Much talk is going on in Pakistan. Some assume going and proving a point is the only way forward, while others believe that there is a grave threat lurking nearby. When a person of authority threatens someone, it is taken seriously, to an extent that many a times, misfortunes do happen.

As a cricket fanatic, and much to the dismay of most Pakistanis who long for cricketing series and worldwide tournaments, it is a disappointment, knowing that our participation in the all-important T20 World Cup appears to be bleak. But on the expense of our cricket team being hurt, injured or even verbally abused? No, not even the fanatic within me allows that.

There are certain limits and constrictions that need to be in place. No matter how bad the relations between the two countries get, there is no need to take it out in the game of cricket, for all we know, it could pave way towards harmonizing the two states.

We are told that the spirit of sports is to break all barriers, embrace the differences and show that there lies no prejudice in the hearts of those who play and watch the game. I believe, now is the time to portray that once again. India, and all Indians who are lovers of the game, should join hands and make sure that if security clearance is granted, the Pakistan team is given a welcoming reception that sears into our memories for all times to come. To give a message to all those haters who wish to tarnish the spirit of this game, that cricket is still pure, it still symbolizes love, passion and grace and will so, forever and always.

by webmaster@insaf.pk (tkiadmin)