Cricket controversy

After the ICC entrusted Pakistan with the responsibility of organising the mega event of Champions Trophy 2025, to be held in February and March next year, cricket fans were excited to know that the two traditional rivals, Pakistan and India, would be soon competing each other on Pakistani soil for the first time in almost three decades.

Unfortunately, a piece of news that appeared in the media on November 8 resulted in shocking cricket fans at a larger level. According to Indian media, the Indian cricket team will not participate in the Champions Trophy 2025, to be held in Pakistan. As soon as this news emerged, there was an uproar in both countries and then the next day it was confirmed by the Indian Cricket Board that the ICC has been formally informed about this decision.

Interestingly, Pakistan has been sending its cricket team to India despite the bilateral tension in the past, proving to be a responsible country. India has not returned the goodwill.

India’s non-participation is also likely to cause severe financial damage to the ICC, with ticket sales, broadcasting rights and sponsors also expected to be adversely affected after the recent controversy. Reportedly, the ICC is proposing a hybrid model to save its reputation, according to which some matches will be played in Pakistan and the rest in the United Arab Emirates or Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan has not accepted that and is said to be considering legal consultation on the minus India formula.

The Indian media claims that if Pakistan does not follow the ICC’s proposal, the tournament may be completely shifted to South Africa. However, the cricket boards of other countries are also showing reservations on this. If something like this happens due to Indian influence, then Pakistan can announce a complete boycott of participating in all tournaments with India in the future. There is a serious concern of division among the ICC members due to ongoing uncertainty in the field of cricket.

I believe that the recent extremist move by the neighboring country is not supported by any conscious sane person.

During my visit to India a few years ago, I conveyed to the then foreign minister Sushma Swaraj a message of peace on behalf of the people of Pakistan. I still believe that in the year of Karma, the Modi government has been given another chance to abandon its politics of hate and aggressive policies.

When all the major cricket teams of the world, including Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa, have visited Pakistan in recent years, and all the countries of the world are willing to come to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025, then why is India propagating hate under the guise of security concerns? I have seen that whenever someone from across the border comes to visit Pakistan, they always appreciate the warm welcome and sincere hospitality shown by Pakistani people.

Indian PM Narendra Modi, who calls himself a dharmic religious person, must think about whether Hinduism allows him to treat one’s neighbour this way. In Sanatan Dharma, it is emphasised to take special care of one’s neighbour.

According to Indian media, only one direct phone call can bring the Indian cricket team to Pakistan in an environment of intense tension and that is the call of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to Narendra Modi. Modi’s unannounced visit to Lahore during his tenure is also being mentioned in Indian media.

In my view, the mega event of Champions Trophy 2025 is a golden opportunity to project the positive image of Pakistan at a global level, as well as to bring the people of Pakistan and India closer.

However, the Indian leadership must understand the sensitivity of the matter and avoid making sports controversial. I pray to God Almighty to fulfill my wish to watch the cricket match between the two neighbouring countries on Pakistani territory very soon.

The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwani