Since the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai, bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan have become collateral damage in the strained diplomatic relations between the two neighboring nations. The Mumbai attacks, carried out by militants with alleged links to Pakistan, left a mark on the political landscape, sparking a long-lasting impact on various facets of the India-Pakistan relationship, including cricket.
In the aftermath of the 26/11 attacks, cricket, which had long served as a bridge for cultural exchanges between the two nations, became a casualty of geopolitical tensions. India took a strong stance, attributing the attacks to groups operating from across the border. As a result, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made a decision to suspend bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan.
Over the years, this decision has been upheld, with the BCCI linking the resumption of cricketing relations to a significant improvement in diplomatic ties and a cessation of cross-border terrorism. The cricketing fraternity, on both sides, has expressed a collective yearning for the revival of the much-anticipated contests between the arch-rivals. Fans, players, and cricket boards have all expressed a desire to see the resumption of the intense sporting rivalries that once characterized India-Pakistan cricket.
However, the complex and often volatile nature of India-Pakistan relations has meant that any progress on the cricket front is intricately tied to broader geopolitical developments. Despite occasional discussions and attempts to revive cricketing ties through neutral venues or multilateral tournaments, the core issue remains unresolved.
The deadlock persists, with India maintaining its stance that a conducive environment, marked by a visible reduction in cross-border terrorism, is a prerequisite for the resumption of bilateral cricket series. Until such conditions are met, the legacy of cricketing showdowns between India and Pakistan, once a staple of international cricket, remains in limbo, symbolizing the broader challenges that define the relationship between these two cricket-crazy nations.
PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf Reveals That Jay Shah Wants To Resume IND vs PAK Bilateral Series
PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) Chairman Zaka Ashraf recently shared that he had a meeting with Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), where they discussed the possibility of resuming regular cricket matches between Pakistan and India. According to Ashraf, Jay Shah expressed a willingness to revive the cricketing ties between the two nations, but highlighted the need for approval from the Indian government.
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"I met Jay Shah and he's ready to resume Pakistan vs India matches on regular basis, but he needs his government's approval. We are hopeful of some good news from India after the elections there this year" – Zaka Ashraf
Do you want to see Pakistan vs India bilateral series? 👀 pic.twitter.com/nu4ykqtbgg
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 11, 2024
Zaka Ashraf conveyed optimism about the potential for positive developments in this regard after the upcoming elections in India. He indicated that both parties are keen on reinstating the cricketing rivalry, acknowledging the historical significance and popularity of matches between Pakistan and India. However, the final decision rests with the Indian government, and any progress is expected to hinge on their approval.
“I met Jay Shah and he’s ready to resume Pakistan vs India matches on a regular basis, but he needs his government’s approval. We are hopeful of some good news from India after the elections there this year,” said Zaka Ashraf.