The ties between India and Pakistan have taken a downturn after the terror attack in Pahalgam. The political tensions that are on the rise have once again placed the cricketing relations between the two nations in the spotlight, and it is not certain at present whether they will compete against each other in international games. India and Pakistan have not been engaged in a bilateral series in almost a decade, and several former India cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, have also demanded a full boycott in the wake of the attacks.
MHA Issues Directive for Preparedness
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a recent directive to state governments to hold drills so they are prepared for any type of attack. Nevertheless, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar opines that the drills will never affect the current Indian Premier League (IPL) and further stated that there is no cause for concern whatsoever.
Reassurance on IPL Impact
“Till something happens, I don’t think it’ll impact the IPL. Yes, in the evening, when the match is being played, there will be, of course, perhaps the lights-off drill in the city. Then I think that could be a little bit of a concern,” Gavaskar told Sports Today. “But as of now, I don’t see the drill really affecting the IPL. I think, look, everybody here in India is feeling really safe and secure. There’s no need to worry. I mean, we have the utmost faith in our armed forces, and we have so much love and affection for them,” he added.
Sunil Gavaskar on Pakistan’s Participation in Asia Cup
Earlier, a number of former Pakistani cricketers, headed by batting legend Javed Miandad, have felt great disappointment with recent remarks by Indian cricket great Sunil Gavaskar on Pakistan playing in the upcoming Asia Cup.
Gavaskar, in an interview with a news channel, signaled that in light of the present political situation, it was very unlikely Pakistan would participate in the tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. He pointed out that the BCCI has always been guided by the Indian government’s instructions, indicating that political friction could keep Pakistan out of the event.
There are fresh tensions between the two countries after a terror strike that killed 26 tourists in Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of backing terrorists, suspended the Indus Water Treaty that has been in place for decades, and threatened wider retaliatory measures.
Miandad and Qasim Respond to Comments by Sunil Gavaskar
Reacting to Gavaskar’s comments, Miandad voiced disbelief. “I can’t believe Sunny bhai said this,” he told telecomasia.net, recalling their long-standing camaraderie on and off the field. “He’s a respectful, down-to-earth person who always stayed away from politics.” Former spinner Iqbal Qasim echoed the sentiment, saying he initially thought the statement was misattributed. “Gavaskar is a responsible figure loved on both sides of the border. Politics should not mix with sports,” he stated.
