I’ve said it for over 10 years and I’ll say it again- India should not play Cricket or any other sport with Pakistan. The only difference is this time is I have more people who agree with me.
I intentionally didn’t watch the India-Pakistan match on September 14th, but with the media in your face 24×7 I couldn’t escape the headline that the Indian players did not shake hands with the Pakistan team.
I support the Indian teams actions, but it did raise a question-
If your view on Pakistan is so clear that you will not do something as basic as a handshake- why are we playing cricket with them in the first place?
Take a clear stand- you can’t be slightly pregnant.
You want to send a message to the world on how you feel? What would be bigger- Not shaking hands or giving a walkover?
Suryakumar Yadav said this on the handshake- “Somethings are beyond Sportsmanship”
In my opinion- Somethings are beyond Sports
Let me be clear- I am not criticising the players. They are not in an enviable position and I support them and understand that it cant be easy.
I just wish they would have collectively informed the BCCI that they are available for the Asia Cup but will not take the field against Pakistan. Taking this stand could have had consequences- they could be dropped, banned or in violation of their contracts. But, had the entire Indian Team done it in unison, I am certain the BCCI would have relented.
It’s not too late- India are scheduled to play Pakistan again on Sunday 21st September, I hope we give them a walkover. If that leads to a financial fine from the ICC, so be it. We can afford it.
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