India vs Pakistan: An exciting contest to look forward to
India vs Pakistan: An exciting contest to look forward to
The India and Pakistan cricket boards have reached an understanding for bilateral ties in the years ahead. Apart from the lone limited-overs series in 2012-13 and the odd contests in ICC events, India and Pakistan have not played a full series since 2007. Nishad Pai Vaidya writes about the entire saga of bilateral cricketing ties between the two countries.
The last time the two subcontinent rivals had a full series was back in 2007, when Pakistan had toured India for three Tests and five One-Day Internationals (ODIs). It was a time when cricketing ties between the two nations were warm and frequent. There had been four bilateral series between 2004 and 2007 and a few other ODI tournaments. READ: India-Pakistan cricketers smother 1999 Kargil War
Unfortunately, political problems spilled onto the field of play as the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks fuelled tension between the two countries. In 2012-13, there was a short limited-overs series in India, but the subsequent LOC firings further spoiled relations. Cricket has invariably borne the brunt of the tensions between the two countries. READ: An open letter to Pakistan cricket fans from an Indian
With cricket being the most popular sport in India and Pakistan, it remains vulnerable to diplomatic consequences. There have been times where they have contested in other sports, but there has been a deadlock in cricket barring the world tournaments and the Asia Cups. Over the last two years Pakistani teams have been allowed to play the Champions League T20 (CLT20). At the same time, Pakistani players were not allowed to participate in the Hockey India League (HIL).
What has been baffling is that there has been no consistency in the restrictions on Pakistani sportsmen plying their trade in India. At a time, it was only cricket that saw frozen ties. Even now, there is an overall inconsistency in the said policy.
Pakistani players are not a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Yet, the likes of Shoaib Akhtar and Rameez Raja continue to be part of the official broadcast. Wasim Akram remains Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling coach. There was a time when Pakistani umpires were also regular features. If there can be Pakistani representation in all departments, then why not on the field? This is not only unfair on the Pakistani players but on the sport itself.
Having said that, it is encouraging to see the Indian and Pakistani boards come together and plan series in the years ahead. Almost eight years have passed since they played a Test. There are plans to have a series later this year in UAE. England and Australia have made their contests more frequent in recent times. Pakistan and India are also trying to do the same.
Cricket needs rivalries to make the sport more interesting. At the same time, it is imperative that they guard against overkill. Nevertheless, the recent developments are welcome. There is hope for some great cricket between India and Pakistan. Hopefully, their players also grace the IPL next year.
(Nishad Pai Vaidya is Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)