Today, we want to discuss an incident that exemplifies the intersection of political mindset and emotions within the realm of cricket. This incident took place in 2023, when the Pakistan Cricket Board organized an event at a five-star hotel in Lahore to provide an important update regarding the Asia Cup.
Some of Pakistan’s renowned cricketers were present at the event, and the atmosphere was calm and composed, with the focus on meaningful discussions about the Asia Cup. However, just shortly before the event began, Mr. Jay Shah – who is the head of the Asian Cricket Council – made a major announcement from India. This announcement surfaced via Indian media just hours before the Pakistani event, prompting Pakistani media to question why, when Pakistan was hosting the event, the announcement wasn’t made from here.
There was some expression of displeasure at that time, but it wasn’t dragged out for long. Now, when Pakistan’s caretaker Interior Minister and the current head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, shared a cricket-related development via a tweet, the Indian media once again started making noise.
The question is: if Mr. Jay Shah has the right to make announcements, why did Mr. Mohsin Naqvi’s tweet become so intolerable for the Indian media? Is it necessary to take offense at everything?
Mutual Relations – Friendship or Rivalry?
Pakistan has never claimed to have the most powerful cricket board in the world. However, Indian media often emphasizes that the BCCI’s voice carries global weight – and certainly, BCCI plays a major role in world cricket. But that doesn’t mean other teams or their officials should remain silent.
What Mr. Mohsin Naqvi said was merely an opinion, an official update – but why so much anger in response?
It’s important to understand that Pakistan always tries to maintain a friendly approach. Whether it’s the Asia Cup or the World Cup, Pakistan has consistently sought to improve relations through the sport. Yet, whenever Pakistan takes a significant step, it’s often painted with political colors.
Cricket or Politics?
Now, the Pakistani government has decided that in the future, no Pakistani player will travel to India without first being shown proper respect. This decision stems from a history of Pakistan being deliberately slighted in various matters. Earlier, such issues were limited to cricket and hockey, but now, respect will be a prerequisite for participation in any sport.
The issue isn’t just that Mr. Mohsin Naqvi tweeted. The issue is that we react to minor things as though a major storm has arrived. Cricket is a sport – but it remains a sport only as long as we don’t turn it into a tool of political power.
What’s the Reality Behind the Asia Cup?
Pakistan was the host country for the Asia Cup. Initially, BCCI opposed this, but when Afghanistan and Sri Lanka supported Pakistan, other countries joined as well. Eventually, India also softened its stance. This is part of cricket diplomacy.
Money is also a key factor. The revenue generated from Pakistan-India matches benefits not just these two nations but all member boards of the Asian Cricket Council.
Can We Show Maturity?
Whenever Pakistani fans watch cricket, their love and energy are not limited to Pakistan alone – they support cricket throughout the region. But when Indian players receive money earned from matches involving Pakistan, has anyone ever said they don't want that money?
Love and friendship must come from both sides. Unfortunately, turning every minor issue into a political controversy has become a common trend.
We hope that sporting spirit between the two nations remains intact. Let cricket become a message of peace, not a source of conflict.
What do you think? Was Mr. Mohsin Naqvi’s tweet really such a big issue? Shouldn’t we approach such matters with tolerance and clarity?
