Should sports and politics mix?

[MenInG]

So many statements from cricketers and sports personalities in the past few days, mostly from the Indian side, pictures of Pakistan cricketers being taken down, Indian company withdrawing its services from PSL etc

Is that how it should be? Should sports and politics be kept separate? And under what conditions should they be mixed.

I understand that non cricketing arguments will be brought in but keep them within the realm of sports please.

 

[msb314]

All day every day and twice on a Sunday

Sports and politics will and should always mix - especially in the subcontinent where cricket is the vast majority sport and a symbol of our national identity.

Not to mention both the PCB and the BCCI are both effectively extended branches of the government.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

They should not mix, sportsmen are not political representative of a country, they are civilians with jobs who regularly visit abroad to do their work.

Only time sports should be overruled by politics is when there's a war (international/civil etc).

 

[Hawkeye]

It's mixed only in places where the level of education, general maturity is very low.

Or countries with lots of jingoism.

This applies to the whole subcontinent.

 

[Hasan123]

No they shouldn't mix.

 

[Hawkeye]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ASIA: Willing to fight for country:<br><br>&#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816; Pakistan: 89%<br>&#55356;&#56827;&#55356;&#56819; Vietnam: 89%<br>&#55356;&#56807;&#55356;&#56809; Bangladesh: 86%<br>&#55356;&#56806;&#55356;&#56811; Afghanistan: 76%<br>&#55356;&#56814;&#55356;&#56819; India: 75%<br>&#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56813; Philippines: 73%<br>&#55356;&#56825;&#55356;&#56813; Thailand: 72%<br>&#55356;&#56808;&#55356;&#56819; China: 71%<br>&#55356;&#56814;&#55356;&#56809; Indonesia: 70%<br>&#55356;&#56818;&#55356;&#56830; Malaysia: 63%<br>&#55356;&#56816;&#55356;&#56823; South Korea: 42%<br>&#55356;&#56813;&#55356;&#56816; Hong Kong: 23%<br>&#55356;&#56815;&#55356;&#56821; Japan: 11%<br><br>(Gallup)</p>— World Index (@theworldindex) <a href="https://twitter.com/theworldindex/status/1083564895398969344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


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You get the answer. Look at the developed ones.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

It's mixed only in places where the level of education, general maturity is very low.

Or countries with lots of jingoism.

This applies to the whole subcontinent.

Agreed, it's not just stupid but plain hilarious. Banning Pakistan from WC is something I would've expected from The Onion website. Nationalists love to brainwash uneducated masses and idiots.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Happened in all sports. Olympics is most notable. Boycotts have happened several times.

https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/history-political-activism-olympics-rio/

In Cricket SA was banned for a period.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

Agreed, it's not just stupid but plain hilarious. Banning Pakistan from WC is something I would've expected from The Onion website. Nationalists love to brainwash uneducated masses and idiots.

Exactly. So stupid... Can't believe the Indian public can't see how stupid this statement is...

 

[Hawkeye]

Happened in all sports. Olympics is most notable. Boycotts have happened several times.

https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/history-political-activism-olympics-rio/

In Cricket SA was banned for a period.

Nothing has happened in the 21st century. If it has, it's led to bans, like Malaysia getting a ban recently, and IND too might get it from the Olympics.

Racism was also a normal thing in the past you're talking about, it's not now. Based on bilateral politics, things are not discriminated against now.

What bad things happened in the past have no place in the society now.

Also, SA ban was different, it was a case of govt-sanctioned racism against a community.

Not bilateral politics and tensions over internationally recognized disputed territories. Stop trying to compare because there's no comparison.

 

[Donal Cozzie]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ASIA: Willing to fight for country:<br><br>���� Pakistan: 89%<br>���� Vietnam: 89%<br>���� Bangladesh: 86%<br>���� Afghanistan: 76%<br>���� India: 75%<br>���� Philippines: 73%<br>���� Thailand: 72%<br>���� China: 71%<br>���� Indonesia: 70%<br>���� Malaysia: 63%<br>���� South Korea: 42%<br>���� Hong Kong: 23%<br>���� Japan: 11%<br><br>(Gallup)</p>— World Index (@theworldindex) <a href="https://twitter.com/theworldindex/status/1083564895398969344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


.....

You get the answer. Look at the developed ones.

Show these people an opposing force and a battlefield and trust me, they'll all hover about 3%

 

[jnaveen1980]

Nothing has happened in the 21st century. If it has, it's led to bans, like Malaysia getting a ban recently, and IND too might get it from the Olympics.

Racism was also a normal thing in the past you're talking about, it's not now. Based on bilateral politics, things are not discriminated against now.

What bad things happened in the past have no place in the society now.

Also, SA ban was different, it was a case of govt-sanctioned racism against a community.

Not bilateral politics and tensions over internationally recognized disputed territories. Stop trying to compare because there's no comparison.

I am not comparing current scenario. I just presented evidence for mixing politics and sports.

 

[rhony]

Sports and politics cannot mix. Every sports person is considered an ambassador of his country. They should promote peace and should treat other as part of a brotherhood. It's an elite exclusive club that only a handful of people from each country have the privilege to be part of. Sportsmen are disciplined in life and should use proper judgement in what they say.

 

[light]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ASIA: Willing to fight for country:<br><br>���� Pakistan: 89%<br>���� Vietnam: 89%<br>���� Bangladesh: 86%<br>���� Afghanistan: 76%<br>���� India: 75%<br>���� Philippines: 73%<br>���� Thailand: 72%<br>���� China: 71%<br>���� Indonesia: 70%<br>���� Malaysia: 63%<br>���� South Korea: 42%<br>���� Hong Kong: 23%<br>���� Japan: 11%<br><br>(Gallup)</p>— World Index (@theworldindex) <a href="https://twitter.com/theworldindex/status/1083564895398969344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


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You get the answer. Look at the developed ones.

Japan has the right attitude. Japanese citizen to the government: You made the booboo, you go fix it. We elected you to not be stupid. We didn't elect you to get killed.

 

[giri26]

No it should not. That's just my opinion though.

 

[Jingaaru]

No it should not. That's just my opinion though.

The fact is that any sporting organisation needs its govt's clearance to go ahead and its here only where this "Sports and politics should not be mixed" becomes null and void. Now whether people like it or not, but its a fact as a country is run by its government and government is formed by politicians only. So practically it will not happen.

 

[msb314]

Sports and politics cannot mix. Every sports person is considered an ambassador of his country. They should promote peace and should treat other as part of a brotherhood. It's an elite exclusive club that only a handful of people from each country have the privilege to be part of. Sportsmen are disciplined in life and should use proper judgement in what they say.

That is exactly why sports and politics DO mix.

Athletes considering them ambassadors and spokespeople for their countries start making political judgements and statements to show their support for their government and public sentiment and to ensure their public popularity remains high.

Whether we like it or not - athletes have a strong interest in maintaining their PR image and will just go along with the tide when it comes to political matters in order to not upset their sponsors and fanbase. This is no especially prevalent in cricket being a national and majority sport in the subcontinent.

Whether we like it or not - it is how it is...

 

[Savak]

You cant seperate sports and politics. They always mix

 

[rhony]

That is exactly why sports and politics DO mix.

Athletes considering them ambassadors and spokespeople for their countries start making political judgements and statements to show their support for their government and public sentiment and to ensure their public popularity remains high.

Whether we like it or not - athletes have a strong interest in maintaining their PR image and will just go along with the tide when it comes to political matters in order to not upset their sponsors and fanbase. This is no especially prevalent in cricket being a national and majority sport in the subcontinent.

Whether we like it or not - it is how it is...

An ambassador is a promoter of a specified activity. In this case, the activity is the sport. That's it, that's their job. Represent the country in their sport honorably with poise. It doesnt mean they are spokespeople. As far as PR etc goes, yes, you are right. That's where the thinking gets muddled and people forget the influence and responsibility they carry.

 

[Robert]

You cant seperate sports and politics. They always mix

Of course. The Olympic ideal is that everyone gets a fair go and this transfers down to all other sport.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Sports and politics cannot mix. Every sports person is considered an ambassador of his country. They should promote peace and should treat other as part of a brotherhood. It's an elite exclusive club that only a handful of people from each country have the privilege to be part of. Sportsmen are disciplined in life and should use proper judgement in what they say.

Sportsmen are nothing more than glorified entertainers. They do not represent a country, the politicians do. That's why sports and politics shouldn't mix, governments shouldn't get involved in private business.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ASIA: Willing to fight for country:<br><br>���� Pakistan: 89%<br>���� Vietnam: 89%<br>���� Bangladesh: 86%<br>���� Afghanistan: 76%<br>���� India: 75%<br>���� Philippines: 73%<br>���� Thailand: 72%<br>���� China: 71%<br>���� Indonesia: 70%<br>���� Malaysia: 63%<br>���� South Korea: 42%<br>���� Hong Kong: 23%<br>���� Japan: 11%<br><br>(Gallup)</p>— World Index (@theworldindex) <a href="https://twitter.com/theworldindex/status/1083564895398969344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


.....

You get the answer. Look at the developed ones.

All these wannabe soldiers should be forced to do 50 pushups and run 5 laps at full speed with a 20kg backpack.

People have a wrong idea about war

Sports and politics should never be mixed. It's pointless.

 

[JibranAnsari]

The question should be , 'should cricket and politics mix'. There isnt much hue and cry when the two countries meet in the other sports but for cricket everything is different.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

All these wannabe soldiers should be forced to do 50 pushups and run 5 laps at full speed with a 20kg backpack.

People have a wrong idea about war

Sports and politics should never be mixed. It's pointless.

I think the survey using which the data was compiled probably meant that if your country did declare war and ask for civilian soldiers would you sign up? Basically the kind where they teach you how to reload a gun, make you run around a field and put you on the battlefield because they need numbers. Not the do you want to sign up for the defence force.

 

[IAJ]

Well, in my opinion it depends on the situation. If a country can't behave and it's leadership has the power and ability to stop the brutalities, all the evidences are on the table, and the leadership rejects to stop this Zulm, then what choice do you leave to the other country? They will have to punish you some way or other and if sports can achieve that goal, why not?

But, there should be proper evidences and you should also have proofs of that the other leadership isn't doing anything to counter the problems, only then this option should be chosen.

In this case, you know Pakistan leadership is doing it's best, their PM has come ut and spoken about it, their own country is in mess because of terrorists, and there has not been provided proper evidences so far, so it will be unfair to punish them.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

All these wannabe soldiers should be forced to do 50 pushups and run 5 laps at full speed with a 20kg backpack.

People have a wrong idea about war

Sports and politics should never be mixed. It's pointless.

Sports, arts, and culture are the beholders of our core human trait, our empathy. A sports person shouldn't be identified by borders but by their intrinsic skill. Roger Federer isn't just Swiss, he's an epitome of human grace, endurance, and determination (when talent meets hardwork kinda thing) and hence an embassador for the whole human race.

However being the petty creatures that we are, it's impossible to maintain such clarity of thought. They shouldn't mix, but going by our past and present, they will continue to mix.

I just quoted this for the edit reason "my English suks" ), that was hilarious

 

[shaaik]

Well, in my opinion it depends on the situation. If a country can't behave and it's leadership has the power and ability to stop the brutalities, all the evidences are on the table, and the leadership rejects to stop this Zulm, then what choice do you leave to the other country? They will have to punish you some way or other and if sports can achieve that goal, why not?

But, there should be proper evidences and you should also have proofs of that the other leadership isn't doing anything to counter the problems, only then this option should be chosen.

In this case, you know Pakistan leadership is doing it's best, their PM has come ut and spoken about it, their own country is in mess because of terrorists, and there has not been provided proper evidences so far, so it will be unfair to punish them.

All the evidence on the table ...... What evidence are we talking about here??

 

[IAJ]

All the evidence on the table ...... What evidence are we talking about here??

Sorry, didn’t understand your question?

 

[Robert]

Sports and politics cannot mix. Every sports person is considered an ambassador of his country. They should promote peace and should treat other as part of a brotherhood. It's an elite exclusive club that only a handful of people from each country have the privilege to be part of. Sportsmen are disciplined in life and should use proper judgement in what they say.

Three political statements right there.

 

[Robert]

Sportsmen are nothing more than glorified entertainers. They do not represent a country, the politicians do. That's why sports and politics shouldn't mix, governments shouldn't get involved in private business.

So you think the Caribbean and Asian nations should have played cricket with apartheid-era RSA?

 

[rhony]

Three political statements right there.

How are they political? Those are responsibilities. Promoting peace is every citizen's responsibility. The process of Peace is not owned by politics. Treating each other with respect and be part of a brotherhood is not politics either. It's courtesy and bond between people who compete.

Don't assume that Politics dictate every way of life. Countries are made up of people with individual responsibillties.

 

[UmarMalik]

I honestly thought Indians are more sensible than Pakistanis until this incident occured. I also think its a hype created for the elections more than anything else. Things should calm down after elections are over.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

So you think the Caribbean and Asian nations should have played cricket with apartheid-era RSA?

All I know is government shouldn't interfere in private business unless the countries are in a state of war with each other.

 

[MenInG]

BCCIs' handling of the issue is one good example why they shouldnt!

 

[Robert]

How are they political? Those are responsibilities. Promoting peace is every citizen's responsibility. The process of Peace is not owned by politics. Treating each other with respect and be part of a brotherhood is not politics either. It's courtesy and bond between people who compete.

Don't assume that Politics dictate every way of life. Countries are made up of people with individual responsibillties.

Because they are values, and values are political.

Politics dictates every way of life. The personal is political.

 

[Robert]

All I know is government shouldn't interfere in private business unless the countries are in a state of war with each other.

So the Caribbean and Asian nations were wrong to insist on a ICC ban for Gooch and the others when they pursued private business in playing for the SAB XI?

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ehsan Mani has dubbed the Committee of Administrators’ decision to approach the ICC for measures against ‘nations backing terror’ as ‘unfortunate’. In his first reaction following the reports of CoA’s move, Mani told Sportstar: “It is unfortunate that politics and cricket are mixing. It is never good for any sport.”

Referring to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recommendation to not let India host any international events — after the Pakistani shooters were not granted visas for the shooting World Cup in New Delhi — Mani said: “You have seen how the IOC has reacted to this as far as shooters are concerned. I guess it is important that we learn to keep sports and politics separate.”

“Let’s paraphrase what Mr Nelson Mandela had once said, ‘the voice (of sports) is far reaching than any politician’. Sports has its own role to play. Politics has its own issues. The two should not mix,” Mani, who has been a former ICC chief, said.

Mani also insisted that the PCB had so far not ‘heard’ anything either from the ICC or the Indian Board. “Why should we receive a letter? Of course, we haven’t received any letter,” Mani said.

“I will not comment anything on that. Let the BCCI or the ICC decide anything, then only we can discuss about our plan of action.”

The CoA chief Vinod Rai, after a meeting on Friday, said it will consult with the government and abide by its decision on the India-Pakistan match at the ICC World Cup 2019.

What will Pakistan’s move be ahead of the World Cup? “It is not the right time to comment on that. We will see how things go and then decide,” the seasoned administrator said.

Earlier in the day, Rai told mediapersons that the board will draft a letter to ICC asking the cricketing community to sever ties with “nations from where terror emanates”.

But does the ICC rule allow any board to take such a move? Mani, a former ICC chief, declined to comment.

“You have to talk to the ICC about that. I won’t comment on what Mr Rai has said. We will discuss our plan of action if we hear anything from the ICC. As of now, there has been no communication.”

There has been a call to boycott the June 16 World Cup face-off against Pakistan at the Old Trafford in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...attacks-fallout-reactions/article26342323.ece

 

[Savak]

Unfortunate that politics and cricket are mixing: Ehsan Mani

Unfortunate that politics and cricket are mixing: Mani

Agencies|Updated February 23, 2019

NEW DELHI: Reacting to BCCI’s decision to write a letter to the ICC in which the Indian cricket board has asked “cricketing community to sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates”, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani has regretted that politics and cricket are mixing.

“It is unfortunate that politics and cricket are mixing. It is never good for any sport,” Mani told Sportstar.

Mani also quoted South African Nobel peace prize winner Nelson Mandela, when referring to India’s call to serve sporting ties with Pakistan.”Let’s paraphrase what Mr Nelson Mandela had once said, ‘the voice [of sports] is far reaching than any politician’. Sports has its own role to play. Politics has its own issues. The two should not mix,” Mani said.

When asked if Pakistan received any letter from the BCCI or is expecting any letter, Mani outright dismissed the idea, saying, “Why should we receive a letter? Of course, we haven’t received any letter.”

Commenting on the developments in Indian cricket, Mani said: “I will not comment anything on that. Let the BCCI or the ICC decide anything, then only we can discuss about our plan of action.

“You have to talk to the ICC about that. I won’t comment on what Mr Rai has said. We will discuss our plan of action if we hear anything from the ICC. As of now, there has been no communication.” the PCB chief added.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2019

Link: https://www.dawn.com/news/1465445

 

[msb314]

Unfortunate that politics and cricket are mixing: Mani

Agencies|Updated February 23, 2019

NEW DELHI: Reacting to BCCI’s decision to write a letter to the ICC in which the Indian cricket board has asked “cricketing community to sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates”, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani has regretted that politics and cricket are mixing.

“It is unfortunate that politics and cricket are mixing. It is never good for any sport,” Mani told Sportstar.

Mani also quoted South African Nobel peace prize winner Nelson Mandela, when referring to India’s call to serve sporting ties with Pakistan.”Let’s paraphrase what Mr Nelson Mandela had once said, ‘the voice [of sports] is far reaching than any politician’. Sports has its own role to play. Politics has its own issues. The two should not mix,” Mani said.

When asked if Pakistan received any letter from the BCCI or is expecting any letter, Mani outright dismissed the idea, saying, “Why should we receive a letter? Of course, we haven’t received any letter.”

Commenting on the developments in Indian cricket, Mani said: “I will not comment anything on that. Let the BCCI or the ICC decide anything, then only we can discuss about our plan of action.

“You have to talk to the ICC about that. I won’t comment on what Mr Rai has said. We will discuss our plan of action if we hear anything from the ICC. As of now, there has been no communication.” the PCB chief added.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2019

Link: https://www.dawn.com/news/1465445

Whilst I can understand why the PCB is playing the waiting game - especially whilst ICC makes an official announcement - I am disgusted by the "unfortunate this and that" type of remarks that the PCB is making.

PCB should have been prepared for BCCI's aggressive stance and must retaliate in no uncertain terms let the world know we will be indulging our cricket administration in our political affairs from now on - whether anyone likes it or now...

 

[Savak]

There is no way Sethi would not have fired back by now. Ehsan Mani is just a meek character. This is actually the time for the Ijaz Butt Classic to the BCCI

 

[kingusama92]

Whilst I can understand why the PCB is playing the waiting game - especially whilst ICC makes an official announcement - I am disgusted by the "unfortunate this and that" type of remarks that the PCB is making.

PCB should have been prepared for BCCI's aggressive stance and must retaliate in no uncertain terms let the world know we will be indulging our cricket administration in our political affairs from now on - whether anyone likes it or now...

No need.

Let the BCCI embarass itself.

 

[Mamoon]

Even by Mani’s low standards, this is an extremely weak and embarrassing statement. His appointment has been a disaster.

Regardless of what you think about Pakistan’s foreign policy and our role in propagating terrorism, as a public figure, you must wear a mask in public and defend the honor of your country.

In spite of not having a leg to stand on, the time has come for PCB to adopt a more aggressive approach. Unfortunately we don’t have trash talkers in our board anymore.

Someone like Sethi or Butt would have given a befitting reply to all the crap that has been coming from BCCI over the last few days.

 

[msb314]

Even by Mani’s low standards, this is an extremely weak and embarrassing statement. His appointment has been a disaster.

Regardless of what you think about Pakistan’s foreign policy and our role in propagating terrorism, as a public figure, you must wear a mask in public and defend the honor of your country.

In spite of not having a leg to stand on, the time has come for PCB to adopt a more aggressive approach. Unfortunately we don’t have trash talkers in our board anymore.

Someone like Sethi or Butt would have given a befitting reply to all the crap that has been coming from BCCI over the last few days.

Preach!

PCB NEEDS to make a political statement and retaliate to the BCCI ASAP.

Not just about defending the honor of your country but a strong political statement will remind the ICC and the BCCI of the consequences of any action that goes against our favor.

Staying silent or making these weak generic statements is taken as a sign of weakness and indecisiveness. Need to make it clear - in no uncertain terms to the BCCI - that enough is enough and the PCB is also prepared to go into full political mode if it has to.

 

[Madplayer]

There is no way Sethi would not have fired back by now. Ehsan Mani is just a meek character. This is actually the time for the Ijaz Butt Classic to the BCCI

Sethi's madness was the reason for Pakistan's embarrassment in the MOU case. Your statements should always be measured.

 

[Savak]

Even by Mani’s low standards, this is an extremely weak and embarrassing statement. His appointment has been a disaster.

Regardless of what you think about Pakistan’s foreign policy and our role in propagating terrorism, as a public figure, you must wear a mask in public and defend the honor of your country.

In spite of not having a leg to stand on, the time has come for PCB to adopt a more aggressive approach. Unfortunately we don’t have trash talkers in our board anymore.

Someone like Sethi or Butt would have given a befitting reply to all the crap that has been coming from BCCI over the last few days.

Need to wipe my eyes for a second. Did you just write "All the crap that has been coming from BCCI over the last few days"?

 

[msb314]

Need to wipe my eyes for a second. Did you just write "All the crap that has been coming from BCCI over the last few days"?

Despite his pessimism and negative outlook towards Pakistan - his is a Pakistani and clearly supports the PCB on this issue

 

[Mamoon]

Need to wipe my eyes for a second. Did you just write "All the crap that has been coming from BCCI over the last few days"?

Whatever I may think about Pakistan and PCB is not relevant. The people who are in a position of power and the public figures need to fight back against the incessant aggression and disrespect that has been directed at Pakistan over the past couple of weeks or so.

It has reached a point where it has now started to hurt the pride of the country - there is only so much you can take. A times comes when you to have defend your country no matter what, and I think the time has come now. We must fight back.

 

[kingusama92]

Preach!

PCB NEEDS to make a political statement and retaliate to the BCCI ASAP.

Not just about defending the honor of your country but a strong political statement will remind the ICC and the BCCI of the consequences of any action that goes against our favor.

Staying silent or making these weak generic statements is taken as a sign of weakness and indecisiveness. Need to make it clear - in no uncertain terms to the BCCI - that enough is enough and the PCB is also prepared to go into full political mode if it has to.

Sure, but what's the end game?

Right now, India (BCCI) looks utterly foolish with its recent statements/emails. This means Pakistan will already have strong support from other nations on principle alone.

However, as soon as the PCB drops to India's level, those same members will start picking between two foolish boards. In such circumstances, the board with money always wins (India).

Mani and co. need to let the BCCI drive itself into the ground on this matter.

 

[msb314]

Sure, but what's the end game?

Right now, India (BCCI) looks utterly foolish with its recent statements/emails. This means Pakistan will already have strong support from other nations on principle alone.

However, as soon as the PCB drops to India's level, those same members will start picking between two foolish boards. In such circumstances, the board with money always wins (India).

Mani and co. need to let the BCCI drive itself into the ground on this matter.

I respect your idealistic thinking and that is clearly how gentlemen should deal with each other

However, we have to be realistic and understand that the world does not work on "principles alone". Whether the BCCi is "utterly foolish" or not - I would not be surprised one bit if they are already thinking of siding with the BCCi due to the financial influence the BCCI has. Quite simply - money talks and the BCCI's behavior will not matter in the end when everyone has money in their pockets.

If the PCB retaliates - atleast everyone will know our political stance and any attempts to alienate will lead to consequences and fall out from us. It will simply be more food for thought for the BCCI, other cricket boards and the ICC before they think of making any decision that negatively affects us.

 

[msb314]

Whatever I may think about Pakistan and PCB is not relevant. The people who are in a position of power and the public figures need to fight back against the incessant aggression and disrespect that has been directed at Pakistan over the past couple of weeks or so.

It has reached a point where it has now started to hurt the pride of the country - there is only so much you can take. A times comes when you to have defend your country no matter what, and I think the time has come now. We must fight back.

In that other thread - I had suggested that the PCB should have man-ed up and immediately announced that they were going to boycott the India game in the WC. However, you had clearly refuted that idea...

I still think it was the right idea. If not financially or from a sporting perspective but on principles and morals alone..

 

[Mamoon]

In that other thread - I had suggested that the PCB should have man-ed up and immediately announced that they were going to boycott the India game in the WC. However, you had clearly refuted that idea...

I still think it was the right idea. If not financially or from a sporting perspective but on principles and morals alone..

I don't agree with that. There is no point backing out of the game - if the BCCI wants to boycott the game, let them do so. If PCB decides to take the initiative and quit the game, the Indian media will get further ammo. They will claim that PCB is "scared" of losing to India in a World Cup again.

There is no need of giving them more material to trash talk when clearly we do not have the personnel in PCB to give an appropriate response.

 

[msb314]

I don't agree with that. There is no point backing out of the game - if the BCCI wants to boycott the game, let them do so. If PCB decides to take the initiative and quit the game, the Indian media will get further ammo. They will claim that PCB is "scared" of losing to India in a World Cup again.

There is no need of giving them more material to trash talk when clearly we do not have the personnel in PCB to give an appropriate response.

They would have been the least of my concerns given the current situation.

It would have been an apt reply to the BCCI and would have let the know that they attacked the integrity of our nation and it would have been a befitting reply to respond in cricket terms by boycotting that game . Let the message by clear - either play bilaterals or there will be NO cricketing ties in any shape or form.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

So the Caribbean and Asian nations were wrong to insist on a ICC ban for Gooch and the others when they pursued private business in playing for the SAB XI?

I don't know much about Gooch ban, I wasn't alive back then. However if it involved interference of the government, then it was wrong. Cricket boards should have complete autonomy and ICC has laws for discrimination already.

 

[Robert]

I don't know much about Gooch ban, I wasn't alive back then. However if it involved interference of the government, then it was wrong. Cricket boards should have complete autonomy and ICC has laws for discrimination already.

Playing cricket with a banned nation was a bit more serious that discrimination on the field. It was giving comfort to a regime which brutalised millions of its own citizens based on skin colour.

The Commonwealth national governments agreed to discourage contact with SA in 1977 while apartheid remained.

Players from England, Australia, WI and SL went to play in SA and received ICC bans of between three years and life.

 

[Chrish]

Hard to play games when your folks are killing each other at the border..

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Playing cricket with a banned nation was a bit more serious that discrimination on the field. It was giving comfort to a regime which brutalised millions of its own citizens based on skin colour.

The Commonwealth national governments agreed to discourage contact with SA in 1977 while apartheid remained.

Players from England, Australia, WI and SL went to play in SA and received ICC bans of between three years and life.

Those players violated ICC rules, so they deserved the ban. I am saying the government shouldn't interfere with cricket boards unless there's a state of war.

Btw, I do not see how the apartheid issue has anything to do with India-Pakistan. Terrorists attack happen everywhere, it's not comparable to racism in a single country.

 

[Pakistanian]

Show these people an opposing force and a battlefield and trust me, they'll all hover about 3%

somebody's salty.

 

[Robert]

Those players violated ICC rules, so they deserved the ban. I am saying the government shouldn't interfere with cricket boards unless there's a state of war.

Btw, I do not see how the apartheid issue has anything to do with India-Pakistan. Terrorists attack happen everywhere, it's not comparable to racism in a single country.

Actually those players acted in a way counter to an international agreement by Commonwealth governments who then applied pressure to the ICC. Had England, for example, played with SL including SL players who went to SA, then WI, India and Pakistan would have refused to play England. So politics dictated who could play in international matches for decades.

Just making the point that sport and politics do mix because sport is politics.

 

[MenInG]

Amidst the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, which has cast a shadow in their impending clash in the upcoming World Cup, former England captain Michael Vaughan has come out with his opinion.

“The Champions Trophy final in 2017 [between India and Pakistan] was the most-watched sporting event that year. That’s the magnitude of the game. I hope it goes ahead and I’m sure it will. Sport has to separate itself and go on. That game will be a spectacle that everyone in Manchester will be looking forward to,” Vaughan told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Earlier this week, Indian captain Virat Kohli said that any decision which will be taken by the Indian government will be followed by the team.

“Our sincere condolences to the families of CRPF soldiers who lost their lives in Pulwama attack. We stand by what the nation wants to do and what the BCCI decides to do. We will go by what the government and the Board decides, we will respect that,” Kohli said at the presser in Vizag.

Indian coach Ravi Shastri on Friday also weighed in on the controversy surrounding the future of the match which is scheduled for June 16.

“It’s entirely left to the BCCI and the government. They know exactly what is happening and they will take a call. We will go by what they decide. If the government says it’s that sensitive you do not need to play the World Cup, I will go by my government,” Ravi Shastri was quoted as saying by Times Now.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...t-the-issue/story-2o9rG4lIKKvoFdiI8OYoWN.html

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Actually those players acted in a way counter to an international agreement by Commonwealth governments who then applied pressure to the ICC. Had England, for example, played with SL including SL players who went to SA, then WI, India and Pakistan would have refused to play England. So politics dictated who could play in international matches for decades.

Just making the point that sport and politics do mix because sport is politics.

There is politics in everything. Sports is not government politics, the boards are for-profit private organizations. Why do you want government to interfere in business of private companies? It's not about if the government can, it's about if they should.

 

[MenInG]

Seems like this issue will not go away soon!