CRICKET IS A CASUALITY OF TERRORISM

Indian Government has cancelled the Cricket tour to Pakistan. Pre 26/1 too, this tour was always in trouble after Champions Trophy was postponed with western teams citing security problems. Dhoni and Tendulkar had expressed reservations due to the volatile security situation, especially after the Marriot attack in Islamabad. But even in 2003-04 the tour was almost called off. Like now, the players didn't want to go then. An attempt had been made on the life of the Pakistan president a few days previously, and an air of fear and uncertainty prevailed then. But the right decision was made it in the end to tour Pakistan, and the series turned out to be epochal. That the cricket was sensational was only incidental: the tour generated a wave of goodwill and bonhomie not seen which it is said created the biggest exodus from India to Pakistan since Partition.

However things changed post 26/11. India burns with anger and indignation over the state's failure to protect its citizens. Preliminary evidence suggests that the terrorists who carried out 26/11 attacks in Mumbai were trained and controlled by groups based in Pakistan. Argument from Pakistan is that it not as if the state of Pakistan is behind the attacks. It itself is a victim of terror at the moment; in recent months, terrorists have claimed the life of Benazir Bhutto, and carried out a horrific attack on the Marriott hotel in Islamabad - but in these charged and emotional times, lines have blurred.

Activist television channels have taken to packaging anger. With fiery anchors fanning the flames, encouraging audiences to seek hot pursuits of terrorists and the destruction of terror camps across the border, the government found itself besieged. Sending troops across the border is, of course, not an option, but the popular mood demands a demonstration of action, and it was very easy for our politicians to use cricket as a tool of appeasement.

If one looks at the step, it amounts to very little to what happened in Mumbai, but it is heavy on symbolism: a strong diplomatic measure against a nation accused of, if nothing else, prolonged inaction against terrorists originating within its borders who wreak havoc in the neighbouring country. It's another matter that the Indian government itself stands similarly accused.

All said and done, I agree with the decision. It wouldn’t be right that our cricketers extend a hand of friendship when a nation is still in agony. The scars of 26/11 are still too fresh.

I work in Dubai and it gives me an exposure to interact with a lot of Pakistani nationals. They, understandably, are not happy with this decision. We need to understand that the Fans in Pakistan are not terrorists and that they too are not enjoying the state of terror in their country. Pakistan hasn’t seen any International cricket on their soil last year and they looked upon India and Sri Lanka to understand their pain and sympathise with them. After all- India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are all plagued by terrorism for some time now.

Of course, a lot is down to perceptions. India, a vast and vibrant democracy founded on Western liberalism, and an emerging economic giant, presents a picture of stability and strength despite its problems. Whereas Pakistan, which has lurched between dysfunctional democracy and army-backed dictatorship, and has acquired a reputation as a hotbed of militancy, has always felt more dangerous to Westerners. Also, India underpins the global cricket economy. The cancellation of the Twenty20 Champions League directly affects the finances of many cricket boards, and the IPL has shown the players the kind of instant wealth that would have been beyond their dreams a year ago. Just like the American economy, the Indian cricket economy involves all cricket nations. The global recession spread from the subprime crisis in America. Everyone wants to be spared the chill; the anxiety to keep Indian cricket in good health is born, at least partly, of the natural instinct for self-preservation. It is unpalatable but understandable. So anxiety and anger of Pakistani Cricketing fraternity is understandable. BCCI should now be ready for a back lash. Steps like Pakistani Players being not allowed to take part in IPL and ICL could be a possibility. Ban on Pakistani cricketers from the ICL could be lifted. And so on and so forth.

As I said, I agree with the decision of India not going to Pakistan at this moment of time. Emotions are on a high at least in this side of border. It would have been unfair on Cricketers who wouldn’t have had loss as an option. But at the same time we must remember that Sports and Politics are separate issues and need to be dealt separately. Yes there are extraordinary times like these when the lines have to erased but then we need to remember to draw the lines between them as soon as possible. We must never forget that we and Pakistan share languages, food and a culture and that the problems between India and Pakistan have never involved the people. In fact, it is to the contrary: most problems have arisen and festered because people have been kept apart by politics.

It is very sad that time has come that Indian Cricket board has to take this decision of not touring Pakistan. . The horrific tragedy in Mumbai was one of those extraordinary situation. Playing cricket with Pakistan now, wouldn't have felt right. But as life regains its course, as it must, so will cricket. At this point it is merely a question of timing.