New Delhi/Dubai: Recently, under the leadership of Yuvraj Singh, India’s team of retired cricketers boycotted two matches against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). Following that, there was widespread talk in many Indian states that India should also refuse to play against Pakistan in the upcoming T20 Asia Cup. However, that possibility now appears to be very slim. Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has firmly urged that India should not play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup starting on 9 September.
The Asia Cup, to be played in the UAE from 9–28 September, will see an India–Pakistan league match on 14 September. The two sides could also meet again in the Super Four stage on 21 September, and possibly in the final on 28 September.
What did Bhajji say two days ago?
AAP MP Harbhajan Singh, referring to the central government’s stand that “blood and water cannot flow together,” said that (probable Asia Cup captain) Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates should refuse to play against Pakistan. Speaking to the media, Harbhajan said:
“We must understand what is important and what is not. I only know this — a soldier who stands at the border for our safety often cannot meet his family for long periods. Sometimes, he sacrifices his life and his loved ones never see him again. Compared to that sacrifice, one cricket match is a very small thing. Can we not give up that one match?
When we are in conflict with a neighbouring country at the border, is it right to play cricket with them? It should always be country first, cricket second. Whether you are a cricketer or an actor, nothing is above the nation. Not playing a cricket match is a very small matter compared to the honour of the country. I say Indian cricketers should never even shake hands with Pakistani players.”
Why is a boycott of Pakistan unlikely?
1. Cricket is now part of the Olympics, which means India and all other nations are bound by Olympic rules. These rules state that countries participating in the Games cannot boycott matches against each other. The ICC (International Cricket Council) and ACC (Asian Cricket Council) have similar rules.
2. Broadcasters have bought media rights worth crores of rupees with the assurance of an India–Pakistan clash, and sponsorship agreements are already in place. All cricket boards involved in the Asia Cup receive a significant share of this revenue. Therefore, cancelling a high-voltage match like India vs Pakistan is almost impossible.
3. India is the primary host of the Asia Cup, but due to the political standoff with Pakistan, the tournament has been shifted to the UAE.
4. Boycotting Pakistan was easy in the recent Legends tournament because it was a private event. The Asia Cup, however, is a multinational competition. Boycotting here could lead to serious consequences, including possible disqualification.
5. The UAE organisers have expressed confidence that the India–Pakistan matches will go ahead. They say that the BCCI and all other cricket boards must have already obtained their respective governments’ permission to participate against all teams before confirming their participation. The tournament schedule was finalised on that basis.
If India does not play against Pakistan…
If India ultimately decides not to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup, the match will be considered forfeited. All points for that match would go to Pakistan, and Mohammad Rizwan’s team would be declared the winners.
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