MUMBAI: Two different initiatives, at two different places, crossed each other out and, subsequently, poured cold water on earnest efforts being made to revive cricketing ties between India and Pakistan.
The first was the hope being expressed by the International Cricket Council chief David Morgan for the early renewal of cricket series between the two countries. The other was the third edition of players’ auction for the Indian Premier League.
At this open auction, not a single one of the eight listed Pakistani players was bid for by the team owners (franchisees).
At the auction held in Mumbai, several players from various countries were given the go-by as there is a cap on the number of foreign players a franchisee can buy. But the fact that no player from Pakistan, including the most exciting exponents of the shorter version of the game, Shahid Afridi and Umer Ajmal, were even considered.
In the first edition of the IPL the Pakistani – players were not only in great demand, but they also performed well, with Sohail Tanvir and Umer Gul being the most outstanding bowlers. Eight players in all had made quite a bit of contribution for their teams.
But after 26/11 last year, things have changed drastically, not only cricketwise, but also in the over all relations between the two countries.
Consequently, security in both countries, has become such a deep concern that you cannot blame the franchisees for not bidding for the Pakistani players.
Since the IPL circus moves around the country and with so many matches to be played, the security of the visiting players will indeed be a huge exercise. No one wants to take chances.
However much people on both sides would want to have sporting exchanges to be as before, we cannot but live with the grim reality of the times.
Everyone believes that it is sports and more particularly cricket, that has and will help to bring back a semblance of normalcy. We do not know when that will happen.
One had believed that IPL would have given that effort a kick-start. But with no players from Pakistan participating, the wait will be longer. In just a matter of weeks, the Pakistani hockey team will be in India to play in the World Cup.
To those who are seeking peace and friendship as of the old, this will be no small step towards that end and may even pave the way for better things to come.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the sporting world is our best hope. If we can play together, we can also live together without fear.
