In a noteworthy development, Roger Binny, the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), announced his decision to visit Pakistan next month. Responding positively to an official invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Binny confirmed he would be crossing the Wagah Border on September 4. Accompanied by BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla, the duo will attend an official dinner and a couple of Asia Cup matches. They plan to return to India on September 7. This trip marks the first visit by a BCCI President to Pakistan since the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 led to a hiatus in bilateral cricket ties between the two nations.
Interestingly, this development comes as Pakistan agrees to send its team to India for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup. Before setting foot in Pakistan, Binny will also be present at India’s opening match against Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, on September 2.
When questioned about accepting the invitation, Binny expressed no reservations. He reminisced about his previous trips to Pakistan in the 1980s, highlighting the hospitality he received. He even shared nostalgic memories of visiting local stores where the owners greeted them warmly, offering tea during every visit. Notably, Binny last visited Pakistan in 2005, participating in a pace camp organized by the Asian Cricket Council.
Significantly, after India refused to play the Asia Cup in Pakistan, Sri Lanka stepped in as co-hosts. Consequently, only four of the thirteen matches will occur in Pakistan. The countries participating in these games include Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. One of these matches is a Super Four tie, adding another layer of excitement to the tournament.
As a former cricketer, Binny brings a unique perspective to this visit. He was part of a team led by Mohinder Amarnath that toured Pakistan in 1984. However, the series came to an abrupt end during the second ODI at Sialkot following the assassination of then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Despite the unsettling circumstances of that tour, Binny remains optimistic about the future of cricket relations between India and Pakistan.
Cricket Diplomacy: BCCI President Roger Binny’s Upcoming Visit to Pakistan Signals a Thaw in Bilateral Ties
Speaking about the historic rivalry between the two nations, Binny remarked, “The India-Pakistan rivalry is the fiercest and most followed in world cricket. It’s even bigger than the Ashes.” He also pointed out that matches between these two countries are beneficial for the sport and its global popularity.
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Roger Binny’s impending visit is laden with symbolism and potential. It’s a small yet significant step toward resuming cricket ties between two countries where the sport is nothing short of a religion. It indicates a thaw in relations and offers a glimmer of hope for fans on both sides of the border who long to see their teams battle it out on the field. Finally, Binny’s move can be seen as an extension of cricket diplomacy, highlighting the game’s unique power to bridge divides, even if temporarily.
