Pakistan Versus India - Why not ?
Recently a seminar was held in the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), lahore , Pakistan about the cricket terms between Pakistan and India which have been cut off since February 1999.
While India have not toured Pakistan since 1989. And what worse reason could it be?.. Politics, Yes ! its politics again which has denied the public to have healthy entertainment even. No wonder politics is considered a profession with a bad reputation.
Considering the fact that the fans of the two countries are absolutely mad about cricket and it is considered more than a game, in fact a religion. The decision of not playing seems to be very unfair not only for the cricket fans of both the countries but these are tragic times are for the ‘Game’ itself. There are a few rivalries in World Cricket like the one in Ashes where the whole cricketing world is involved but Pakistan Vs India has left behind everything and their matches could even be enjoyed by people who are even unaware of the game.
The seminar in LUMS was just at the right time when there was a former Indian player and currently a commentator Sanjay Manjrekar is touring Pakistan and has been given a very warm welcome , even become quite a famous figure in Pakistan already. Sanjay addressing the ceremony told the audience that the public could bring pressure to bear to persuade politicians into changing their minds.
He said:
“Over the years it has become a major, difficult political decision and since the gap is getting bigger, the decision is becoming a major one, ’’ Politicians are careful over making the decision (to resume cricketing ties) but people can push them into it.’’.
As far as ICC (International Cricket Council) is concerned, in its 10 year plan Pakistan is to host India for a Test series in February 2004.There are hopes for it as the under 19 side of India was given clearance to tour Pakistan next month.
Players from both sides are disappointed for the cricket being not played among them. Former Pakistani Captain Waqar Younis said:
“I think we are missing a great duel”
’’The biggest regret in my 14-year career is that I played only four Tests against India.’’
Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Ramiz Raja added his voice to the seminar pointing out the financial benefits of restoring cricketing ties.
“We can earn $11m in 20 days of cricket with India and it is imperative and important that India plays Pakistan, ’’
said Raja.
He further said
“It is a matter of great regret for anyone who loves cricket that these two great countries are not playing against each other, ’’ .
Where officials and politicians have failed, perhaps people power could provide the solution.
At the end of my review, rather an article, Id like to add the fact that I’ve tried to write for my personal as well as Pakistani and Indian public’s “thirst” for the game which we are absolutely mad about, aren’t we? And what better contest we all look out for other than Pakistan Vs India, Shoaib Vs Sachin, Sami Vs Sehwag. Who would mind to see the fastest bowler bowling his quick yorkers to the world`s finest batsmen. Who doesn’t like to see the stumps rooted off and the sixes being struck . About 140 million in Pakistan and even double the million population in India would be on their feet for the whole 8 hours of the game!
Your comments would tell us how much you guys want Pakistan VS India!
Please do comment with an open heart and mind but only for the game and the ‘thrill’ of it not for politics please:) Let this be a voting of comments..
India Vs Pakistan. Yes or No ?.. and if no.. then Why not?
Please do Comment.
Regards from Pakistan,
|..Yousuf../|