When the Asia Cup schedule was first declared, many people suspected. Despite the declaration of the matches, people were wondering whether the India-Pakistan match would actually happen or not. Especially after the recent terrorist attack in Pulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, this question was coming in everyone’s mind. When the Indian team was announced for the Asian Cup, the doubt remained intact. Some people believed that this is only BCCI’s decision and the government would not allow permission.
Debate on India-Pakistan match continues
But now the situation has become clear. Those who were thinking that the India-Pakistan match would be canceled due to public opposition, they proved wrong. The debate reached social media, mainstream media and Parliament, where questions were raised. The government has now issued an official statement, which almost makes sure that the India-Pakistan match will be in the Asia Cup. He also explained the reason for his decision, which raises many questions.
No bilateral sports relations between India and Pakistan
According to the government’s statement, India and Pakistan do not have bilateral sports relations, but India will participate in international and multilateral tournaments with Pakistan. This policy has been in line with India’s long -adopted situation – India has not played bilateral cricket with Pakistan since 2013, and this situation still persists.
The government clarified that Pakistani players and teams can participate in such multilateral tournaments, whether in India or abroad. The Sports Ministry said, “In terms of international and multilateral events, we keep in mind the practice of international sports bodies and the interests of our players. It is also important to establish India as a reliable place of international sports event.”
The government also said that the visa process will be simple for players, team officials, technical staff and officials of international sports bodies. Under this, the officer will be given a multi-entry visa on a priority basis, which will be valid till his post, for a maximum of five years. This remedy will make his visit to India easily according to international standards.
However, this decision raises many big questions:
Is the host of international tournaments above the national interest? Despite the safety of citizens and soldiers who lost their lives in the Pulgam attack, why did the government give priority to the sports event?
What was the need to participate in the Asia Cup? India feared separation for the ICC tournaments, but there was no danger of separation from not participating in the Asia Cup. Still why the government allowed India to participate?
Is the fear of international participation above the national interest? Did India put their safety and interest in fear of participating in ICC or other tournaments?
India has already staged a protest in international tournaments. India did not participate as a protest during the Davis Cup in 1974 and the Asia Cup in 1986. Why was this not done now?
Dual standards? Social and business contacts have been abolished with Pakistan – social media, television content and business were banned. Then why allow Pakistan in sports?
Overall, the government aims to establish India as a reliable host of international sports. For this, Pakistan players were allowed to come to India and participate in tournaments. But this decision has raised many serious questions on national interest, security and previous decisions along with many serious questions.