Cricket matches - domestic and international - are played all around the world round the year. But the amount of controversy created in connection with the forthcoming India-Pakistan ties is mind-boggling. The two countries extended their political enmity to sports and banned the matches instead of banning their bombs. In the meantime India and Pakistan have kept on competing with other countries and even facing each other on foreign soil.
I don't understand why Pakistan was so anxious to face them at home? Was it to prove that we were found inferior to India in wars but would avenge our military defeats on battlegrounds of cricket? I remember Gen. Zia saying at a reception in honour of the Indian touring team: "I accept that in all competitive sports it matters little who wins or who loses, but what matters is how the game is played? However, whenever India and Pakistan face each other whether it is on the battle ground or in sports arena, it is always a matter of life and death". In this background I would not fault India avoiding cricket encounters, in the past. We have often witnessed rowdy behaviour by spectators in stadiums. Passions run high and partisan fans do not like to see the opposition performing better and their own side losing. They resort to booing and throwing brickbats and bottles, which at times injure the fielders. In this respect the crowds of both the countries are equally guilty. From India's point of view, of late such threats have become more serious going by Jehadi and terrorist activities in the country. Any amount of security assurances provided by us are taken by India with a pinch of salt. The argument being that if the President of Pakistan - the most protected man in the country can come under repeated murderous attacks, what to speak of a few Indians exposed to public during the games. We understand these apprehensions but are anxious to convince India that overwhelming majority are genuine cricket lovers and the government would leave no stone unturned to safeguard the visitors.
India has established itself as one of the top cricketing teams of the world, while we are in the process of rebuilding after the humiliating performance at the last World Cup. We are, therefore, keen to give an opportunity to our new players to contest against a strong side to gain experience and confidence. After many years of estrangement, India and Pakistan have decided to let bygones by bygones, for which confidence building measures are afoot in different spheres of life - politics, trade, culture and communication. Sports and particularly cricket plays larger than life role in our society. It was, therefore, essential that cricketing ties be re-established. Fortunately top government officials in both the countries see eye to eye on the matter and were able to overcome opposition from prejudiced quarters. And so the stage is set for an exciting, interesting and memorable encounter - a feast for the connoisseurs of cricket.
Besides the noble objective to repair the relations by playing together in a spirit of friendship, there is another angle to the hoopla. Pakistan Cricket Board's coffers are empty and India-Pakistan series is seen as a bonanza. Houseful is expected in all matches. But besides the gate money, it would be the sponsorship and T.V. rights yielding huge sums to restore cash starved PCB to health. The new PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan must be keeping his fingers crossed that no last minute hitch arises and the visitors arrive as scheduled. The safety fears have been largely assuaged and a full strength Indian team is expected to participate. The cricketing demi-god of India Sachin Tendulkar made the debut of his illustrious career at the age of 16 in Pakistan in 1989 and has since become No. 1 batsman of the world shattering many a records. Cricket lovers in Pakistan are, therefore, looking forward to see him play on our own grounds. Apart from him a string of young batsmen like Sehwag, Dravid, Laxman, Yuvraj have emerged to make it a formidable batting side. Going by the recent form, India enjoys an edge over Pakistan and the odds are in their favour. But cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties and many extraneous factors have a bearing on the results particularly in one-day encounters.
Pakistan's batting has not yet stabilised. We still depend on old horses like Inzamam, Youhana, Razzak and Moin Khan. The young colts Taufeeq Umar, Imran Farhat, Asim Kamal and Yasir Hameed are good with a lot of talent and potential but are not consistent. However, we have a slight advantage in the bowling department. But here two we largely depend on Shoaib Akhter to strike terror. Notwithstanding all his faults in the matter of discipline, we have been pampering him because he is a match winner. If injuries do not plague him and if he keeps to line and length, he is worth his weight in gold. We had great expectations from Mohammad Sami as his fast bowler partner. But in New Zealand he was not very successful. Let us hope he regains his reputation against India. After the retirement of Srinath, India lacked a fast bowler for the opening salvo. He has been replaced by Zaheer Khan who has already proved himself, while Irfan Pathan is the new find who holds a lot of promise. Kumble is still good but I believe he is ageing. He would not be very effective unless he gets a turning wicket of his choice.
On the basis of international performance of the two sides during the last couple of years, it is difficult to forecast the outcome. Pakistan would have the advantage of home ground and the supporting crowds, while the Indians are normally under psychological pressure when playing against Pakistan. It would be safe to say that India would wrap up the 3-Test series while Pakistan have an even chance in the limited over encounters. Irrespective of the ebb and flow of the games, it would be a sumptuous feast for the cricket fans in Pakistan and India.