Thaw in India-Pak chill must show in all areas, say Amritsar residents on match

Residents of the border district who closely witnessed the intensity of India-Pakistan conflict during Operation Sindoor only a couple of months ago anticipate that the India Pakistan cricket match being played in Dubai during the ongoing Asia Cup on Sunday night may pave the way for resumption of ties.

Gurdev Singh, headmaster, Government High School Mode, which is situated close to the border with Pakistan, said sports should also be boycotted if all other sectors are closed to express the country’s displeasure against the attack on unarmed civilians holidaying in Kashmir valley’s Pahalgam.

He added that if the cricket match is an initiative to create a positive atmosphere between the two nuclear armed neighbours, then it should gradually be extended to other fields. “There is no denying the fact that no country can live in isolation in this global world,” he said. After closely watching hostilities in general and the drone war in particular, from May 7 to May 10, he described the war as a disaster. He recalled that they watched drones flying over their rooftops from close quarters and thanked the air defence system for guarding them. He reasoned that both countries must resolve their differences to chart out a course of development.

A city resident, Pran Aggarwal, said he stood for peace and tranquility in the region. With great regard for the subtle sentiments of patriotism, the other factor is that the India-Pakistan cricket match is a massive revenue generator as the fixture comes after India and Pakistan were saved from a full-blown war.

“Both countries can’t ignore the financial benefits of this gala event. The demand for broadcasting rights for India-Pakistan matches is exceptionally high as a private satellite channel is reportedly paying an enormous sum for the exclusive coverage of the match. There is a record sale of tickets, generating huge monumental revenue. At the same time, a 10-second advertisement during the India versus Pakistan match costs around Rs 25-Rs 30 lakh, highlighting the financial power of these encounters.

The economic impact of India-Pakistan matches extends beyond direct revenue, with these events attracting a global audience that boosts tourism and hospitality in the host countries. Local businesses also benefit from increased activity, providing a significant boost to the local economy, Aggarwal observed.

The entire glamour of the Asia Cup rests upon the fixture of arch-rivals, keen rivalry visible in the oft-repeated rant, ‘In Se Mat Harna’, (Do not lose to them).

A large number of cricket lovers would remain glued to screens. Being a weekend friends and relatives gathered at a common place to enjoy the pulsating tie which came after years. Both teams had last played in Dubai on February 23.

India and Pakistan matches remain the most eagerly watched cricket clashes. Since India does not play Pakistan in bilaterals anymore, International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments are the only opportunity for fans to watch their keen contests.

The interest India-Pak cricket ties generates is not visible in any other sporting event. Taking a cue from the keen interest shown by the public, references of this rivalry were found in biopics, advertisements to get viewership. Several Bollywood flicks portray the keen contest between arch-rivals India and Pakistan through scenes of their matches.

Of course, the India-Pakistan rivalry, rooted in the bloodshed preceding the Partition of the country, found reflection far beyond the sport. A similar keen rivalry is not visible in other sporting events.

There is no denying that cricket has been used as a tool for diplomacy and to mend the relationship between the two neighbours who have fought several wars.