Politics and sports are never meant to be totally separate entities, or at least that is not the way so far. Soviet Union in the past have boycott Olympic games held in the US and vice versa during cold war era. India has canceled cricket tours to Pakistan in the past because of sour political relationship. Good political relation between nations also foster sport relation. But the other way round is true too. Sports can also heal sour international relations.
The rejection of Pakistani cricketers by all the teams in the 3rd edition of the IPL is extremely unfortunate. It reflects the mentality of Indian public in certain way towards Pakistan and her citizens. Pakistan has its share too. The political leaders of both nations often than not indulge in verbal bashing to get the sympathy of their respective citizens. Zardari's welcoming comment about Kashmir had to be recanted because of public pressure from Pakistan. There has been Indian politician too who talked about 'wiping out Pakistan from world map'.
26/11 was bad. But relations cannot remain sour forever. We should not also expect Pakistan to take the first. Looking at the deeeeep political crisis Pakistan is in, I think India should take the first step towards reconciliation. It's been seen that even when Pakistani players have wanted to shake hands with Indian players after a match, Indian player walked away with that unfriendly attitude. I would have greatly appreciated any team that buys Pakistani cricketers for the IPL. I can't believe that there is no good player in the Pakistan team. The main problem here is our Indian perception of Pakistan. And I think it's time we grow up!
The rejection of Pakistani cricketers by all the teams in the 3rd edition of the IPL is extremely unfortunate. It reflects the mentality of Indian public in certain way towards Pakistan and her citizens. Pakistan has its share too. The political leaders of both nations often than not indulge in verbal bashing to get the sympathy of their respective citizens. Zardari's welcoming comment about Kashmir had to be recanted because of public pressure from Pakistan. There has been Indian politician too who talked about 'wiping out Pakistan from world map'.
26/11 was bad. But relations cannot remain sour forever. We should not also expect Pakistan to take the first. Looking at the deeeeep political crisis Pakistan is in, I think India should take the first step towards reconciliation. It's been seen that even when Pakistani players have wanted to shake hands with Indian players after a match, Indian player walked away with that unfriendly attitude. I would have greatly appreciated any team that buys Pakistani cricketers for the IPL. I can't believe that there is no good player in the Pakistan team. The main problem here is our Indian perception of Pakistan. And I think it's time we grow up!
