Politics, Posturing and the Inevitable India–Pakistan Match

Team India and Team Pakistan. Images X

It was evident as early as yesterday morning that a Pakistan U-turn was on the cards. In the aftermath of the ICC meeting, it was only a matter of time before matters moved to a stage where the India–Pakistan match was officially back on schedule. But to get there, Pakistan needed a face-saver. Bangladesh, meanwhile, also needed something to placate fans back home and demonstrate that it had gained something in return.

At 10pm, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued a press release that was a giveaway. It urged Pakistan to play the match against India. The statement was clear evidence that a deal had been struck and that Bangladesh was party to it. Imagine Pakistan wanting to boycott the game in solidarity with Bangladesh, only for the BCB to ask Pakistan to play and thank the ICC.

Soon after, the ICC made it official that Bangladesh would not be penalised for its World Cup stance and would be granted the rights to host an ICC event between 2028 and 2031. The release made no mention of additional financial compensation or any increase in revenue share. The hosting rights were the face-saver on offer and the escape route from the impasse. Everything was boiling down to one thing: the India-Pakistan match would be played.

Also Read “The only loser will be the game”: Ehsan Mani on further hardening of relations between India and Pakistan

Looking back, the entire episode feels unnecessary and futile. The BCB first attempted to frame the Mustafizur Rahman issue as one of national prestige, turning it into a binary choice between country first or cricket first. In doing so, it alienated the wider cricketing world and backed itself into a corner. The decision not to play the World Cup was a blunder, and Bangladesh suddenly found itself isolated.

Pakistan, mindful of elections in Bangladesh, played the geopolitical game and attempted to show solidarity with Dhaka. It is in Pakistan’s interest to create political instability on India’s eastern border, and encouraging Bangladesh was part of that strategy. What Pakistan did not anticipate was losing the ICC vote 2–14. Once that happened, it had little option but to harden its stance towards India.

The decision was taken to boycott the India game and invoke force majeure. The ICC responded swiftly, and Pakistan soon realised it was on a sticky wicket. The force majeure claim was contested, leaving dialogue as the only way out. Events moved quickly, and Pakistan was eventually requested by Sri Lanka, the Emirates Cricket Board and, crucially, the BCB to play. Pakistan got its face-saver. Bangladesh got a tournament to compensate for missing the World Cup. The ICC got the India–Pakistan game back on track.

If anyone still claims that sport and politics do not mix, they should officially be labelled “delusional”.

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The post Politics, Posturing and the Inevitable India–Pakistan Match appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.



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