Pakistan’s flood victims have found a new do-gooder from across the border. After India doled out $5 million in aid to the flood ravaged parts of Pakistan, more hope comes from the sport which is the pulse of both the nations.
Former Indian captain Kapil Dev, in a touching gesture, has asked for an India-Pakistan match to raise funds for those affected from the devastation. Expressing deep sorrow for the loss of lives, Kapil said, “it’s a huge calamity and to help the affected, Pakistan and India should ideally play either in Pakistan or India, but if it is not possible then a neutral venue is also an option for both boards.”
Kapil has decided to take the initiative with a promise that he shall speak to the BCCI about the same. The PCB on its part is keen to have the India-Pakistan encounter either in England or in the UAE.
Can a friendly match be a catalyst to renew the cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan? Should Sachin Tendulkar be allowed to have one last go against Pakistan in a bilateral series? Wouldn’t cricket fans love the sight of Mohammad Amir running in to bowl to a Sachin or Sehwag? Unfortunately, the game of cricket between these two countries has been stalled due to obvious reasons – political differences.
If the Indian and the Pakistani cricketers do come together for the proposed match or series, it will be the first time that the two countries shall face-off on the cricket field in a bilateral series since 2007 when Pakistan toured India. India was supposed to reciprocate immediately afterwards by playing a series in 2009 but the 2008 Mumbai attacks in November once again froze the tumultuous bond between the two countries.
Cricket has often borne the brunt of the hot and cold relationship between India and Pakistan. It has been used a tool of diplomacy between the neighbours. If the situation was good both the teams would be seen participating in home and away tours In fact the state of affairs between the two nations can be analysed by taking a look at their cricketing history.
The cricket ‘battle’ over the years and the political background at that time
By Vineet Sharma, India Syndicate, 26/08/2010