NEWS
Follow UsIt has been over 12 years since the last time India and Pakistan locked horns in a bilateral series. The constant geopolitical tension between the two countries have made it almost impossible for them to face each other - either in India or Pakistan.
The two countries only face off each other in global competitions or in the Asia Cup, where they often take each other in neutral venues. Despite there not being such tension between the two cricketing boards, a potential return to bilateral series seems to be out of the picture.
Former Indian opener Navjot Singh Sidhu, speaking at special Star Sports Press Room, organized by Star Sports, said cricket should unite the two countries and not divide them further.
“Whatever the political scenario, cricket is something different. There are no criminals in sport, there are only ambassadors of your country. I have said this before as well: sport plays a role in uniting countries. Cricket has now become diplomacy as well between these two countries. It should get the two countries together, cricket is a big unifier. Cricket should be a great method to unite the two countries,” Sidhu answered a Cricket.com query, in an exclusive legends event organised by Star Sports.
Due to geopolitical tensions between the countries, Pakistani cricketers are not allowed to play in the best franchise league—the Indian Premier League. Sidhu pointed out that when the players are not in the swing of things, playing such a high-intensity league becomes very difficult.
“You have to be in the swing of things. Bigger players who take retirement and play IPL, it is impossible for them. You have to be in the swing of things to contribute. Even if you keep a sword in the corner, it becomes rusted. It is very important for any team to be playing and competing,” he added.
“If you look at tennis, there are circuits. Cricket is played all over the year, and they play against each other. Therefore, it is unfortunate that the political scenario in Pakistan is such that, at times, it is taboo that we can’t go there (Pakistan). Sometimes there are bullets at the team, that actually scar your reputation. That is a handicap definitely, you are going to England, Australia but at the other end, there is one player only playing at home, you feel rusty. Exposure is very important.”
India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the much-awaited encounter in New York on Sunday (June 9). It will be their third meeting at the ICC events over the last three years, with India having an edge over their arch-rivals.
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