Cricket Diplomacy: India- Pakistan relations improving
The latest news regarding resumption of cricket ties between India and Pakistan is being seen as a sign of improving relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Both the nuclear-armed countries have not played bilateral cricket series for several years after cricket ties were suspended between the two countries in the wake of 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The announcement by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to “resume cricketing ties with Pakistan by inviting the Pakistan cricket team for a short series in December 2012 – January 2013” has been greatly welcomed by Pakistan. However, it has also received mixed response especially from the Indian side.
“The decision is great and we welcome it. It seems that millions of cricket fans have their wishes fulfilled,” writes Dawn newspaper while quoting chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mr Zaka Ashraf.
However a report of The Express Tribune newspaper reads “Soon after the news about Pakistan cricket team’s visit to India for a short tour in December started making the rounds, India’s right-wing party Shiv Sena said it would not let Pakistan play in India.”
The report also reads: “The party (Shiv Sena) said Pakistan is responsible for the 2008 Mumbai carnage and it would not be allowed to play in the country.”
According to a report of Hindustan Times the former captain of Indian cricket team Mr Sunil Gavaskar has also criticised the BCCI’s decision “to revive the Indo-Pak bilateral cricket ties as he felt Pakistan was not cooperating in the Mumbai terror attacks probe.”
The report further reads: “Gavaskar also felt that India are playing a lot of cricket in the upcoming season and any other series would only put pressure on the cricketers.”
Nonetheless many believe that the revival of cricket ties shows improving affairs between the two countries. A BBC report while quoting its correspondents reads “the proposal to resume cricketing ties is a sign of improving relations between the two countries (India and Pakistan).