If sport is predominantly viewed as war minus the shooting, the rivalry in cricket between India and Pakistan elevates this notion to unprecedented heights, marked by intense passion and national pride. This past Saturday, all the murmurs and speculations circulating in the corridors of power and amongst cricketing enthusiasts over recent months were officially confirmed when India notified the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its inability to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy. This much-anticipated tournament, set to unfold next year from February 19 to March 9, with Pakistan as the exclusive host, has been overshadowed by the lingering ‘India-question’, stemming from the tense political and diplomatic landscape between these two cricketing giants divided by the Radcliffe Line. Notably, since the 2008 Asia Cup held in Karachi, India has refrained from touring Pakistan, resulting in a cessation of bilateral series, which has reduced their competitive encounters to ICC events held at neutral venues or in India itself. Pakistani authorities had attempted to leverage their participation in the ICC World Cup match in Ahmedabad in 2023 to encourage India to reciprocate the goodwill; however, officials in Delhi remained resolute in their stance. Moreover, discussions had suggested that Pakistani officials were open to the idea of India playing only in Lahore while remaining on their side of the border.
However, mirroring the arrangements made during the 2023 Asia Cup where India played all its matches in Sri Lanka, including the final, while sidestepping travel to Pakistan, a similar arrangement is being proposed for the Champions Trophy. There is a preference from the Indian side to have their matches and the concluding final, should they progress that far, hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) instead of Pakistan. The involvement of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s son, Jay Shah, who currently serves as the ICC chairman-elect while also holding the position of Secretary for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), adds a complex political dimension to the discussion. It is crucial to note that even under the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government prior to 2014, Pakistan has remained largely inaccessible to Indian cricketers post the harrowing terror attacks in Mumbai. The predominant sentiment among former Indian cricketers is to avoid any travel past the Wagah border due to security concerns. Although the Pakistan Cricket Board is understandably displeased, there remains a potential for the tournament to be split between Pakistan and the UAE, thereby offering a compromise. The security situation in Pakistan has been a contentious issue ever since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, prompting widespread apprehension regarding hosting international teams. Nonetheless, over the years, many other nations have gradually resumed tours to Pakistan. Amid this ongoing frostiness in subcontinental relations, it is disheartening that star cricketers such as Virat Kohli have yet to compete in a single Test match against Pakistan, a trend that appears unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.
Published – November 11, 2024 12:10 am IST
**Interview with Cricket Analyst, Raj Sharma**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Raj. The recent announcement from India regarding its non-participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan has stirred significant conversation. What are your thoughts on this decision?
**Raj Sharma:** Thank you for having me. This decision was anticipated by many given the historical and political context between India and Pakistan. Cricket is often regarded as a unifying force, but, unfortunately, political tensions have overshadowed the sport, leading to situations like this. The rivalry is not just about the game; it’s deeply intertwined with national identity and pride.
**Editor:** Indeed, the rivalry is intense. The last time India played in Pakistan was during the 2008 Asia Cup. How has this long absence affected cricket relations between the two nations?
**Raj Sharma:** The cessation of bilateral series has significantly impacted both teams. It has been over a decade since they faced each other outside of ICC events. This lack of regular contests has deprived fans of what is arguably one of the most thrilling rivalries in sports. Additionally, it also hinders player development and team dynamics since competitive encounters are crucial for any sport’s growth.
**Editor:** You mentioned the idea of India playing only in Lahore as proposed by Pakistani officials. How realistic do you think such proposals are given the current geopolitical climate?
**Raj Sharma:** It’s a complex situation. While some may view limited engagements as a potential way to ease tensions, the geopolitical realities make it challenging. Both countries have their political considerations and public sentiments to manage. The goodwill gestures, such as the ICC World Cup match in Ahmedabad this year, haven’t translated into reciprocation, which suggests deep-rooted issues beyond cricket.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what are the implications of India’s non-participation in the Champions Trophy for the tournament itself and for cricket fans?
**Raj Sharma:** For the tournament, it’s a significant blow in terms of viewership and competitive spirit. Matches between India and Pakistan draw massive audiences, and without India, the tournament will lack that marquee matchup. For fans, particularly across both nations, it’s disappointing. They crave the intensity and emotion that these matches bring. The hope remains that someday, cricket can bridge the political divides and rekindle the fierce but friendly rivalry both sides once enjoyed.
**Editor:** Thank you, Raj, for your insights. It seems while the cricketing world prepares for an exciting Champions Trophy, the shadow of politics will loom large over the tournament.
**Raj Sharma:** Absolutely, and let’s hope for better times ahead for cricketing diplomacy. Thank you for discussing this important topic.
