The BJP’s World Cup: India’s Modi wields cricket as a political weapon

[FearlessRoar]

In March, before an India vs Australia Test match at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, named in honour of India’s current prime minister, a stage was set up for a pre-match ceremony marking 75 years of India-Australia cricket.

Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese first took a lap of the stadium, waving to spectators in a golf cart modified to look like a golden chariot. They then made their way to the stage to listen to speeches and watch a performance before the Test could start. As part of the ceremonies, Modi was presented with a picture of himself in the Modi stadium.

It was a glimpse of the politics that the India-hosted 2023 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup will likely serve up.

Home advantage, a hugely talented squad and the Indian cricket board’s sheer financial clout have made the hosts favourites to win the 46-day tournament, which starts on Thursday.

A victory would trigger wild celebrations among fans, especially since – despite India’s cricket ruling body having the deepest pockets in the game and the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL), cricket’s most lucrative and popular T20 franchise league – it has been 12 years since India last won a World Cup.

From the naming of stadiums to the choice of venues, and the demonisation of Pakistan and Muslims more broadly, some observers say that Modi’s Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using the tournament as a launch pad for a third term in office.

Some even speculate that, if India win, Modi may even call for elections six or so months before the BJP’s term ends in June 2024.

Source: Al Jazeera

 

[FPresidential]

Another 3rd world country PM naming stadium after them.

 

[pillionrider]

This clown sitting in the stadium watching us is the biggest worry I've had about us winning our 3rd WC.

I'm now worried about the Ind-Pak game too. Hope he doesn't turn up. But he most likely will

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

No government has done more to damage the game than Bharat when you consider that cricket has a relatively small following outside of the subcontinent. Bharat wanted to create a big three without considering that one of those, England, does not even consider cricket among it's top three sports.

 

[Technics 1210]

Cricket as a wielding political power? Give me a break, India cancelled the opening ceremony of the WC because they cannot afford it!

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Cricket as a wielding political power? Give me a break, India cancelled the opening ceremony of the WC because they cannot afford it!

To be fair I think they are referring to wielding power in their own country. Most outside of the subcontinent aren't aware of cricket as a sport.

 

[ChennaiFan]

Another 3rd world country PM naming stadium after them.

The term third world was relevant during the Cold War. Any country that didn't align with the NATO team and the USSR team was termed a third-world country. If you want to ditch a country based on its economic conditions, you may have to find a different word. Switzerland and Singapore for example were third-world countries.

 

[ChennaiFan]

The whole riling up is based on an AlJazeera opinion-based article. I guess when it is another opportunity to bash India or the BJP, who needs logic!

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The term third world was relevant during the Cold War. Any country that didn't align with the NATO team and the USSR team was termed a third-world country. If you want to ditch a country based on its economic conditions, you may have to find a different word. Switzerland and Singapore for example were third-world countries.

Third world in the UK usually refers to countries with poor infrastructure, poor hygiene and low standards of living as compared to the first world. This is the first time I am ever hearing Switzerland or Singapore being referred to as third world, but patriotism can conquer all, at least in the mind.

 

[ChennaiFan]

Third world in the UK usually refers to countries with poor infrastructure, poor hygiene and low standards of living as compared to the first world. This is the first time I am ever hearing Switzerland or Singapore being referred to as third world, but patriotism can conquer all, at least in the mind.

That is fair - you live in UK and all you know could be what is used there. And if you care to know the facts, a bit of research could help you.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

That is fair - you live in UK and all you know could be what is used there. And if you care to know the facts, a bit of research could help you.

Well I'm sure your research has miraculously made India a first world country and Switzerland and Singapore third world so I guess I will have to dig a little harder to uncover such gems personally.

 

[cricketjoshila]

So Al Jazeera has a problem regarding naming of stadiums in India?

And they have a problem regarding the hosts choosing the venues? Isn't that the host's privilege?

AL Jazeera seems to be writing anything for the sake of it.

 

[cricketjoshila]

No government has done more to damage the game than Bharat when you consider that cricket has a relatively small following outside of the subcontinent. Bharat wanted to create a big three without considering that one of those, England, does not even consider cricket among it's top three sports.

There's no big 3, there's only big 1 in cricket.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Well I'm sure your research has miraculously made India a first world country and Switzerland and Singapore third world so I guess I will have to dig a little harder to uncover such gems personally.

During the cold war

First world meant US allies, second world meant USSR allies and RoW were third world countries.

Ofcourse the definition doesn't fit your agenda of trying to put India down.

 

[FPresidential]

The term third world was relevant during the Cold War. Any country that didn't align with the NATO team and the USSR team was termed a third-world country. If you want to ditch a country based on its economic conditions, you may have to find a different word. Switzerland and Singapore for example were third-world countries.

Thanks for the history lesson but that was then, during World war.

It is 2023, and it has completely different meaning when used in context, which is, a developing nation characterized by a population with low and middle incomes, prejudices, over populated, religious and nationalist extremism. Bharat happened to be blessed with all of them.

 

[IMMY69]

"The modern definition of “Third World” is used to classify countries that are poor or developing. Countries that are part of the “third world” are generally characterized by (1) high rates of poverty, (2) economic and/or political instability, and (3) high mortality rates"

 

[KingKhanWC]

Imagine if Pak beat India in the final, Modi will have to give the trophy to the Pak captain or he may call in Rahul Ghandi, attack him and win another election.

 

[FPresidential]

"The modern definition of “Third World” is used to classify countries that are poor or developing. Countries that are part of the “third world” are generally characterized by (1) high rates of poverty, (2) economic and/or political instability, and (3) high mortality rates"

Everyone with a mobile device and internet understand the modern definition of "Third World".

Most Bharati can't counter this fact so this new narrative, probably delivered from Modi's Whatsapp group to his constituent, and now we have to pretend that we are in elementary school.

 

[Rajdeep]

What Al Jazeera need to understand is that Modi don't need cricket to win 3rd term. Even after ruling for 10 years as PM, his popularity rating is still 76% and highest among any world leaders. It means 76% of Indians want him as their next PM, 18% are against him and 6% people did not choose to answer as per recent India Today survey. I understand the burn but only Indians have a say who will be their next PM and not some agenda based news agency based in desert land.

 

[ChennaiFan]

Well I'm sure your research has miraculously made India a first world country and Switzerland and Singapore third world so I guess I will have to dig a little harder to uncover such gems personally.

Thanks for your advice. There is no first world, second world, or third world countries anymore.

 

[FPresidential]

What Al Jazeera need to understand is that Modi don't need cricket to win 3rd term. Even after ruling for 10 years as PM, his popularity rating is still 76% and highest among any world leaders. It means 76% of Indians want him as their next PM, 18% are against him and 6% people did not choose to answer as per recent India Today survey. I understand the burn but only Indians have a say who will be their next PM and not some agenda based news agency based in desert land.

No one on this forum or any where else have made an argument of non-Bharati should be allow to vote in Bharat's general election.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Thanks for your advice. There is no first world, second world, or third world countries anymore.

Who told you this Modi or Yogi?

A 3rd world nation is mostly defined on poverty levels.

 

[KingKhanWC]

There's no big 3, there's only big 1 in cricket.

Best is more important than Big.

Btw , why is Modi stadium in the city of Ahmedabad, named after Sultan Ahmed Shah? Modi's stadium in a city named after 'invader'?

 

[Rajdeep]

No one on this forum or any where else have made an argument of non-Bharati should be allow to vote in Bharat's general election.

Well they haven't but the perception Al Jazeera is giving as per OP is that Modi need cricket to win 3rd term. Hahaha

It is not only laughable but highlight how far apart from reality these news agencies are. One would have thought after 10 years they must have learned the hard lesson but it looks like some people simply don't want to accept the truth. Still remember how agencies like BBC & Al Jazeera got embarrassed when Modi won in 2019 after propagating against him for 5 years prior to that.

Why it is so difficult for these agencies to understand that Indians simply trust their PM? And this trust has been build due to good governance, development and leadership.

 

[Rajdeep]

Third world in the UK usually refers to countries with poor infrastructure, poor hygiene and low standards of living as compared to the first world. This is the first time I am ever hearing Switzerland or Singapore being referred to as third world, but patriotism can conquer all, at least in the mind.

That poster was correct in the sense the term Third World was referred as countries who refused to side with US or USSR allies. Later UK added racial connotation's to it and started referring all under developed/emerging countries as 3rd world. Like how they used Bradford in racial way. But just bcoz UK is saying it doesn't mean its correct. Technically third world is exactly what @ChennaiFan explained.

 

[Rajdeep]

From the naming of stadiums to the choice of venues, and the demonisation of Pakistan and Muslims more broadly, some observers say that Modi’s Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using the tournament as a launch pad for a third term in office.

@cricketjoshila read this classic line and how propaganda journalism works. Imagine a women from a rural village who is now getting uninterrupted electricity, ration card and her own bank account thanks to Modi govt going to the poling booth to vote for him only to listens to such garbage from foreign media. And then our liberal brothers cry when govt agencies do crackdown on such news agencies.

Long may this govt continue...

 

[FPresidential]

Well they haven't but the perception Al Jazeera is giving as per OP is that Modi need cricket to win 3rd term. Hahaha

It is not only laughable but highlight how far apart from reality these news agencies are. One would have thought after 10 years they must have learned the hard lesson but it looks like some people simply don't want to accept the truth. Still remember how agencies like BBC & Al Jazeera got embarrassed when Modi won in 2019 after propagating against him for 5 years prior to that.

Why it is so difficult for these agencies to understand that Indians simply trust their PM? And this trust has been build due to good governance, development and leadership.

Then why name it after himself? He isn't dead yet nor has retired, he is still playing politics.

These kind of things only happen in 3rd world countries and countries ruled by dictators.

 

[Rajdeep]

Then why name it after himself? He isn't dead yet nor has retired, he is still playing politics.

These kind of things only happen in 3rd world countries and countries ruled by dictators.

Please show me the rule where it says you can't name something on someone unless that person has retired or dead. Who made that rule? Or so called intellectuals from first world country?

Modi and his party has transformed Gujarat and made it one of the most progressive state in India. The world's largest statue has been created and its named after Sardar Patel (a congressman). And world's largest cricket stadium being built and its named after the most loved son of Gujarat. What is the issue?

Yes Modi was thinking about election 2024 while building that stadium...HAHAHA

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Imagine Pakistan win and we see Mickey Arthur run onto the pitch and plant a Pakistan flag like Graeme Souness did when he was a manager in Turkey. Then Modi presents the trophy to Babar

 

[FPresidential]

Please show me the rule where it says you can't name something on someone unless that person has retired or dead. Who made that rule? Or so called intellectuals from first world country?

Modi and his party has transformed Gujarat and made it one of the most progressive state in India. The world's largest statue has been created and its named after Sardar Patel (a congressman). And world's largest cricket stadium being built and its named after the most loved son of Gujarat. What is the issue?

Yes Modi was thinking about election 2024 while building that stadium...HAHAHA

Asked question that everyone knows the answer of it and it has nothing to do with discussion that is going on. Obviously there is no law nor need to make one, but naming sports arena and erecting a sculpture of a sitting PM are mostly done by either dictators in a 3rd world countries, such as Bharat.

Bharat is not progressive, nothing about Hindutva and Modi has anything progressive, only progressive for the optics, it adhere to Hindutva supremacy ideology by creating them vs us with every Bharati citizen.

sports (cricket) has never been used to gain political mileage in the sub-continent, not playing Pakistan is for political mileage and nothing more.

 

[Rajdeep]

Your comments continue to display signs of cultist. Asked question that everyone knows the answer of it and it has nothing to do with discussion that is going on. Obviously there is no law nor need to make one, but naming sports arena and erecting a sculpture of a sitting PM are mostly done by either dictators and cult leaders in a 3rd world countries, such as Bharat.

Bharat is not progressive, nothing about Hindutva cult and Modi has anything progressive, only progressive for the optics, passing homosexual friendly laws and economically but morally and religiously it is opposite, it adhere to Hindutva supremacy ideology by creating them vs us with every Bharati citizen.

Let's not play naïve and pretend that sports (cricket) has never been used to gain political mileage in the sub-continent, not playing Pakistan is for political mileage and nothing more.

you are free to believe whatever you want. third world or whatever If you reserve this little bit of lecture for your own country, it won't be in a situation as it is today. Anyway, my intention was not to jump into this debate. I just found it very amusing that Al Jazeera felt Modi is using cricket stadium to win election...LOL. Modi will win 2024 due to his hard work and dedication towards the nation. He doesn't need cricket to gain popularity.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Who told you this Modi or Yogi?

A 3rd world nation is mostly defined on poverty levels.

No it isn't. It was defined as neutral countries during the cold war.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Thanks for the history lesson but that was then, during World war.

It is 2023, and it has completely different meaning when used in context, which is, a developing nation characterized by a population with low and middle incomes, prejudices, over populated, religious and nationalist extremism. Bharat happened to be blessed with all of them.

The term used is global south.

The term used for India is Emerging economy.

 

[cricketjoshila]

"The modern definition of “Third World” is used to classify countries that are poor or developing. Countries that are part of the “third world” are generally characterized by (1) high rates of poverty, (2) economic and/or political instability, and (3) high mortality rates"

Indian poverty rate as per World Bank is near 10 per cent.

Fastest growing economy.

Functional democracy

Life expectancy around 70 years.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Best is more important than Big.

Btw , why is Modi stadium in the city of Ahmedabad, named after Sultan Ahmed Shah? Modi's stadium in a city named after 'invader'?

Big is important when you control the game.

Ahmedabad is in Gujarat a state Modi has directly or indirectly ruled for 20 plus years.

Ahmed Shah is past, Modi is the present and future.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Then why name it after himself? He isn't dead yet nor has retired, he is still playing politics.

These kind of things only happen in 3rd world countries and countries ruled by dictators.

Who says that a stadium can't be named after a living person?

These kind of opinions come from people pushing agendas.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Your comments continue to display signs of cultist. Asked question that everyone knows the answer of it and it has nothing to do with discussion that is going on. Obviously there is no law nor need to make one, but naming sports arena and erecting a sculpture of a sitting PM are mostly done by either dictators and cult leaders in a 3rd world countries, such as Bharat.

Bharat is not progressive, nothing about Hindutva cult and Modi has anything progressive, only progressive for the optics, passing homosexual friendly laws and economically but morally and religiously it is opposite, it adhere to Hindutva supremacy ideology by creating them vs us with every Bharati citizen.

Let's not play naïve and pretend that sports (cricket) has never been used to gain political mileage in the sub-continent, not playing Pakistan is for political mileage and nothing more.

Your comments continue to show your dislike for India.

Pakistan is a hostile state and downgrading relations with a hostile state is how the world functions.

A nation of 1.4bn isn't going to follow and copy what is followed elsewhere. Here we have our own beliefs and we find nothing wrong in having a stadium named after Ex CM, Ex President of GCA and current PM.

A lot of countries in the world have issues with idol worship, they call idol worshippers as Pagan or Kaffir or Various other names, you think anyone here cares?

Pakistan is in Economic dire straits and living on bailouts. The army has crushed anything that remotely resembles democracy. A number of terrorist organisations banned by UN and a number of terrorists banned by UN are in Pakistan. Pakistani passport is one of the worst in the world.

Yet your interest is in how a stadium is named in India. This is called coping.

 

[FPresidential]

Your comments continue to show your dislike for India.

Pakistan is a hostile state and downgrading relations with a hostile state is how the world functions.

A nation of 1.4bn isn't going to follow and copy what is followed elsewhere. Here we have our own beliefs and we find nothing wrong in having a stadium named after Ex CM, Ex President of GCA and current PM.

A lot of countries in the world have issues with idol worship, they call idol worshippers as Pagan or Kaffir or Various other names, you think anyone here cares?

Pakistan is in Economic dire straits and living on bailouts. The army has crushed anything that remotely resembles democracy. A number of terrorist organisations banned by UN and a number of terrorists banned by UN are in Pakistan. Pakistani passport is one of the worst in the world.

Yet your interest is in how a stadium is named in India. This is called coping.

First, lets not try to pervertised the religion Hindu by mixing it with Hindutva. There is a clear distinction, night and day, sky and ground, wet and dry.

Second, stadium is not a religious structure so lets not confuse it with religion. I understand you and other followers of Modi/BJP/RSS/Hindutva are unable to form that distinction and it is almost pointless for anyone to point it out but why not, right?

Just as Bharati have issues with Muslims of India then you are absolutely correct, there may be some who would have issue with what you believe in, but again, the discussion is not about religion, and again, I understand why you have to comment in those lines because you had no other way to justify it, instead of making it "them vs us", a tell tell sign of cultist.

The discussion is not about what Bharat can or can not do, for I care they can make more bathroom or continue to **** out in open, no one here care, the question that most highlighted and compared that mostly dictator and cultist name stadium and errect statue after themselves when they are in power. But again, as evident many times on this forum, when none Modi's fans can defend, it is always, ' we do as we want', duh. lol

Bhai, what it has to do with Pakistan, Pakistan is in dire state, Army and the elite is the cause, but neither Pakistani army trying to take away funds for the stadium nor any other Pakistani. But again, very typical of Hindtuva brigade, "what about Pakistan".

I have no interest in Bharat's stadium, nothing coming out of my pocket, it is a discussion, and you can't stop me from discussing anything and everything about Bharat. Also my ancestors were from that part of the world, i have all the right to discuss bharat where ever and when ever

Regarding dislike for Bharat, I have none but absolutely loathe Hindutva taking over my ancestors country

 

[FPresidential]

Who says that a stadium can't be named after a living person?

These kind of opinions come from people pushing agendas.

Never said it can't, it has and probably will continue, by living dictators and cultist leaders.

And you are absolutely correct, I have an agenda, which is to highlight bigotry of Hindutva/RSS.

 

[FPresidential]

The term used is global south.

The term used for India is Emerging economy.

emphasize on emerging, hasn't emerged out of 3rd world countries list economically and mentally.

 

[Rajdeep]

Bhai, what it has to do with Pakistan, Pakistan is in dire state, Army and the elite is the cause, but neither Pakistani army trying to take away funds for the stadium nor any other Pakistani. But again, very typical of Hindtuva brigade, "what about Pakistan".

TBF its you who dragged Pakistan first and his response was to your specific point about how India not playing Pakistan is for political mileage. As Joshila mentioned, India doesn't play Pakistan NOT bcoz of political mileage but bcoz India considers it as a hostile state and don't want to keep any bilateral ties. As a Pakistani, you should spend more time lecturing about how to sort out the mess in your country so that a cordial relation with India can be build rather than worrying about names of Indian stadium...LOL. Imran Khan tried the same tricks when he was PM from his twitter account by calling India names daily like Facist, RSS Bigots, Hindutva etc. etc. Couple of years later, India and Modi is still shinning...where is Imran now?

You should really take India out of your mind that lives rent free in your head and focus on other stuffs. In India, everything is fine...largest growing economy, development, moon missions, FDIs...all good or Sab Changa Si as our beloved PM would say.

 

[FPresidential]

TBF its you who dragged Pakistan first and his response was to your specific point about how India not playing Pakistan is for political mileage. As Joshila mentioned, India doesn't play Pakistan NOT bcoz of political mileage but bcoz India considers it as a hostile state and don't want to keep any bilateral ties. As a Pakistani, you should spend more time lecturing about how to sort out the mess in your country so that a cordial relation with India can be build rather than worrying about names of Indian stadium...LOL. Imran Khan tried the same tricks when he was PM from his twitter account by calling India names daily like Facist, RSS Bigots, Hindutva etc. etc. Couple of years later, India and Modi is still shinning...where is Imran now?

You should really take India out of your mind that lives rent free in your head and focus on other stuffs. In India, everything is fine...largest growing economy, development, moon missions, FDIs...all good or Sab Changa Si as our beloved PM would say.

Lets not compare IK with Modi.

Imran Khan symbolize the struggle of democracy, the struggle to fight for his people right to be heard, symbolize standing up against imperialism and fascism in Pakistan. Whereas, Modi name will always be synonymous with bigotry and hate despite how far Bharat reaches, be it moon or multi-trillionaire, and some of you will be continued to be forced to defend Modi's bigotry. So there is no comparison, you and rest of Hindutva brigade thinks, trying to use that as an insult, it is not, absolutely not, at least for me, is not one bit offended, rather it is an honor to have such a leader who is standing his ground for true democracy in Pakistan.

Whatever you mentioned about Bharat, moon etc, congratulation, it is an achievement for any 3rd world country, but that is not the topic of the thread, the topic is, Stadium being named after the living PM of bharat.

I counter your point, that sports (cricket) in subcontinent between Pakistan and Bharat has been used to gain political mileage. Try to read it within context, please.

Rest of your comments are in line with the other poster I have replied to, lets keep it to the stadium and how other living dictators and cultist have in the past named stadium and other monuments after them while ruling their respective country. Rest is just waste of time for me and the readers.

 

[Rajdeep]

Lets not compare IK with Modi.

Imran Khan symbolize the struggle of democracy, the struggle to fight for his people right to be heard, symbolize standing up against imperialism and fascism in Pakistan. Whereas, Modi name will always be synonymous with bigotry and hate despite how far Bharat reaches, be it moon or multi-trillionaire, and some of you will be continued to be forced to defend Modi's bigotry. So there is no comparison, you and rest of Hindutva brigade thinks, trying to use that as an insult, it is not, absolutely not, at least for me, is not one bit offended, rather it is an honor to have such a leader who is standing his ground for true democracy in Pakistan.

Whatever you mentioned about Bharat, moon etc, congratulation, it is an achievement for any 3rd world country, but that is not the topic of the thread, the topic is, Stadium being named after the living PM of bharat.

I counter your point, that sports (cricket) in subcontinent between Pakistan and Bharat has been used to gain political mileage. Try to read it within context, please.

Rest of your comments are in line with the other poster I have replied to, lets keep it to the stadium and how other living dictators and cultist have in the past named stadium and other monuments after them while ruling their respective country. Rest is just waste of time for me and the readers.

That is what you think but what you see 6 from your place others see it as 9. Just like you believe in Imran, millions of people in India believes in Modi and loves him for his visionary leadership, development work and taking India forward. There is a reason even after ruling as a PM for 10 straight years, his popularity is still 76% which is unheard off in any country. Normally anti incumbency kicks in 3rd term reign but not for Modi. It is just goes to show he is doing something well for Indians but for you to call him bigot, facists etc is bit Imranisque..hence the comparison.

 

[FPresidential]

That is what you think but what you see 6 from your place others see it as 9. Just like you believe in Imran, millions of people in India believes in Modi and loves him for his visionary leadership, development work and taking India forward. There is a reason even after ruling as a PM for 10 straight years, his popularity is still 76% which is unheard off in any country. Normally anti incumbency kicks in 3rd term reign but not for Modi. It is just goes to show he is doing something well for Indians but for you to call him bigot, facists etc is bit Imranisque..hence the comparison.

A 6 is a 6 and 9 is a 9, just because you see it differently does not make it different.

A bigot is a bigot, no matter how rich that bigot get.

A dictator is a dictator, who has killed journalists for speaking out against dictator, no matter how rich that dictator is.

An imperialism is an imperialism, no matter how advanced the nation become.

A communist is a communist, no matter how rich the communist community become.

No one is discussing, the riches they brought in, the topic of the thread is, sitting PM naming monuments and stadium after themselves, this mostly if not only, happens by a cultist and countries ruled by dictators.

 

[Rajdeep]

A 6 is a 6 and 9 is a 9, just because you see it differently does not make it different.

A bigot is a bigot, no matter how rich that bigot get.

A dictator is a dictator, who has killed journalists for speaking out against dictator, no matter how rich that dictator is.

An imperialism is an imperialism, no matter how advanced the nation become.

A communist is a communist, no matter how rich the communist community become.

No one is discussing, the riches they brought in, the topic of the thread is, sitting PM naming monuments and stadium after themselves, this mostly if not only, happens by a cultist and countries ruled by dictators.

Apologies if I have wasted your time but I have already responded to the point raised in OP in my very first post itself. If Al Jazeera thinks that Modi would need cricket stadium named after himself as one of his election gimmics for 2023 they are highly mistaken. Modi is sitting on a popularity rating of 76%. This popularity has been build for years of trust, hard work and good governance. So he really doesn't need cricket stadium to win an election.

Gujarat Cricket Association has named that stadium as a mark of respect for Modi since he was the ex chief Minister of Gujarat. So its not named for the profession he is in now (i.e PM) but for his past role as CM and for making the state of Gujarat as one of the most developed in India. Not sure why it is a problem and how that makes him a dictator? LOL.

 

[MP2011]

The megalomaniac bigot who is not just a panauti for India but also for Indian cricket.

I fear for the worst

 

[cricketjoshila]

First, lets not try to pervertised the religion Hindu by mixing it with Hindutva. There is a clear distinction, night and day, sky and ground, wet and dry.

Second, stadium is not a religious structure so lets not confuse it with religion. I understand you and other followers of Modi/BJP/RSS/Hindutva are unable to form that distinction and it is almost pointless for anyone to point it out but why not, right?

Just as Bharati have issues with Muslims of India then you are absolutely correct, there may be some who would have issue with what you believe in, but again, the discussion is not about religion, and again, I understand why you have to comment in those lines because you had no other way to justify it, instead of making it "them vs us", a tell tell sign of cultist.

The discussion is not about what Bharat can or can not do, for I care they can make more bathroom or continue to **** out in open, no one here care, the question that most highlighted and compared that mostly dictator and cultist name stadium and errect statue after themselves when they are in power. But again, as evident many times on this forum, when none Modi's fans can defend, it is always, ' we do as we want', duh. lol

Bhai, what it has to do with Pakistan, Pakistan is in dire state, Army and the elite is the cause, but neither Pakistani army trying to take away funds for the stadium nor any other Pakistani. But again, very typical of Hindtuva brigade, "what about Pakistan".

I have no interest in Bharat's stadium, nothing coming out of my pocket, it is a discussion, and you can't stop me from discussing anything and everything about Bharat. Also my ancestors were from that part of the world, i have all the right to discuss bharat where ever and when ever

Regarding dislike for Bharat, I have none but absolutely loathe Hindutva taking over my ancestors country

What is the difference between Sanatan Dharma and Hindutva? Since you know so much about them, enlighten us.

Stadium may not be a religious structure but India's culture is majorly rooted in Sanatan. So building statues or naming structures after people is nothing new here. We have been doing it for thousands of years.

Its your thinking that only dictators do xyz, its not our thinking. If Indians are fine i don't know why foreigners are intent on blowing themselves up in the name of a stadium.

Understand that we have totally different culture and beliefs.

I don't care what or who and from where your ancestors were, you are a Pakistani and all you are doing is trying to cope.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

What is the difference between Sanatan Dharma and Hindutva? Since you know so much about them, enlighten us.

Stadium may not be a religious structure but India's culture is majorly rooted in Sanatan. So building statues or naming structures after people is nothing new here. We have been doing it for thousands of years.

Its your thinking that only dictators do xyz, its not our thinking. If Indians are fine i don't know why foreigners are intent on blowing themselves up in the name of a stadium.

Understand that we have totally different culture and beliefs.

I don't care what or who and from where your ancestors were, you are a Pakistani and all you are doing is trying to cope.

If we are talking about thousands of years culture, then he is actually more Indian than you are. Pakistan is barely 70 years old recent construct, India derives from the Indus. You are actually a Bharati, claim your own heritage and stop clinging onto terms bestowed by invaders.

 

[FPresidential]

What is the difference between Sanatan Dharma and Hindutva? Since you know so much about them, enlighten us.

Stadium may not be a religious structure but India's culture is majorly rooted in Sanatan. So building statues or naming structures after people is nothing new here. We have been doing it for thousands of years.

Its your thinking that only dictators do xyz, its not our thinking. If Indians are fine i don't know why foreigners are intent on blowing themselves up in the name of a stadium.

Understand that we have totally different culture and beliefs.

I don't care what or who and from where your ancestors were, you are a Pakistani and all you are doing is trying to cope.

I did not ask you to care, if i did, I'd ask for your opinion If it matter to me, but the fact is a fact, my ancestors are from that part of the world for thousands of years and I care very much about the my ancestral home.

Did not ask, If Bharati are fine, of course Bharatis would be fine, lately almost every RSS/Hindutva have been fine to emulate dictators, bigots, and extremists. I thought we had established that long time ago.

 

[KingKhanWC]

No it isn't. It was defined as neutral countries during the cold war.

It's how it originated. English isn't your first language, please refer to Oxford dictionary when understanding definitions.

QUICK REFERENCE​

Poor or less developed countries. The term originated to cover countries which were not part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the advanced capitalist bloc, or the former Soviet bloc.

third World

"third World" published on by null.

www.oxfordreference.com

 

[KingKhanWC]

Big is important when you control the game.

Ahmedabad is in Gujarat a state Modi has directly or indirectly ruled for 20 plus years.

Ahmed Shah is past, Modi is the present and future.

Fans apart from you really dont care, as the money is not in their pocket. What matters which team is the best, its not India.

They are all in the past but your own words were they are invaders. You contradict yourself in every other post.

Stadium named after Modi, city named after Ahmed Shah. The irony is hilarious.

 

[SalimBhai]

Who says that a stadium can't be named after a living person?

These kind of opinions come from people pushing agendas.

qadafi stadium was named after a living person

 

[pillionrider]

A reimagining of the 2011 WC final, if Modi were PM at the time.

 

[cricketjoshila]

qadafi stadium was named after a living person

Pakistanis think its proper so don't know why anyone else should have any issues.

In India,

Wankhede Stadium Mumbai
MA Chidambaram Stadium Chennai
IAS Bindra stadium Mohali
M Chinnaswamy Stadium Bangalore(Need to re confirm)

were all named after living persons.

Here in India we don't think its an issue.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Pakistanis think its proper so don't know why anyone else should have any issues.

In India,

Wankhede Stadium Mumbai
MA Chidambaram Stadium Chennai
IAS Bindra stadium Mohali
M Chinnaswamy Stadium Bangalore(Need to re confirm)

were all named after living persons.

Here in India we don't think its an issue.

Why are you still stuck on India? Didn't you get the memo from your ideologue that the correct term is Bharat?

 

[MP2011]

A reimagining of the 2011 WC final, if Modi were PM at the time.

So true. Megalomaniac that feku is, nothing will stop him to hog every possible limelight wherever and whenever he can.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

So true. Megalomaniac that feku is, nothing will stop him to hog every possible limelight wherever and whenever he can.

Off course you had to put the boot in, on an international platform. just the fact that Shri NM wins awards of a lot of countries and has made a lot of overseas indians hold their heads high is lost on you, u will never appreciate!.
Typical desi crab defeatist mentality and your happiness would only be when there is anything negative about desh or indian cricket and Virat, rohit etc
you are at your happiest when we loose.
Thanks to Shri NM, a gadzillion of us have developed the spine and steel to look you guys in the eye and call you out for the wimps you really are.
Get used to this dude, minimum of another 5 years coming your way! Jai Bharat....but thats lost on you, and tragically so.

 

[MP2011]

lol, here comes the blind and illiterate bhakt for whom feku is be all and end all. To hell with India.

lol at spine and steel. So you took birth as spineless! I get it.

And what do you mean by international platform? Are you scared just like your god who is frightened by slightest of aggression showed by China?

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Off course you had to put the boot in, on an international platform. just the fact that Shri NM wins awards of a lot of countries and has made a lot of overseas indians hold their heads high is lost on you, u will never appreciate!.
Typical desi crab defeatist mentality and your happiness would only be when there is anything negative about desh or indian cricket and Virat, rohit etc
you are at your happiest when we loose.
Thanks to Shri NM, a gadzillion of us have developed the spine and steel to look you guys in the eye and call you out for the wimps you really are.
Get used to this dude, minimum of another 5 years coming your way! Jai Bharat....but thats lost on you, and tragically so.

What is Shri NM?

 

[Devadwal]

Stupid article to defame india. Nothing else

 

[MP2011]

What is Shri NM?

you can expect this from the stooges!

 

[DeadlyVenom]

you can expect this from the stooges!

I am genuinely curious, is it something to do with Modi like Shri Narinda Modi?

 

[globetrotter]

Modiji dont need world cup victory to win next GE... but it doesn't mean that India shouldn't win this WC... Modiji is more popular than Cricket World Cup, Indian Cricket Team and Virat Kohli

 

[MP2011]

I am genuinely curious, is it something to do with Modi like Shri Narinda Modi?

See even the minions are embarrassed to name him and are only using his abbreviated name.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

See even the minions are embarrassed to name him and are only using his abbreviated name.

For the record its Shri Narendra Modi, its easier to type Shri NM than type out the whole name, Just like (ex) PM IK - something so obvious - i wonder where 'embarassment' comes into it.

its another 5 years to go from 2024. Minimum. Peace dude - my last comment on this.

 

[PakLFC]

Modi doesn't even know that the Canadians and Americans don't play Cricket! He is an expert in making a fool of himself! Now tell Canada that we will ban your players from Bollywood and the IPL if you don't stop accusing us of terrorism. Idiot!

 

[FearlessRoar]

Just not cricket: Indian politicians bat for power​

Cricket is more than just a game in India: critics accuse ruling-party politicians and the sport's closely linked mega-rich board of exploiting its huge popularity for electoral advantage.

India begins voting in six-week-long general elections on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) widely expected to sweep to a third term in power.

Modi's BJP is intricately tied to the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with commentators saying the ruling party has sought to co-opt the sport as a tool to bowl out political opponents.

Veteran cricket journalist Sharda Ugra said the sport is "used as a vehicle for a muscular nationalism".

"Control is exercised not just through its presence of senior officials connected to the ruling party, but through the use of Indian cricket to further their political messaging," she told AFP.

Modi's government is far from the first to use cricket for political gain in India, but his populist BJP has tightened those links further than any before, added Ugra.

BCCI chief Jay Shah is the son of home affairs minister Amit Shah, Modi's right-hand man and himself a former president of the Gujarat state cricket board.

Arun Dhumal, chairman of the money-spinning Indian Premier League, is the brother of sports minister Anurag Thakur, who is also an ex-BCCI head.

"The current BCCI is the first Indian cricketing administration which is under the control of a single political party, and not a general clutch of politicians," said Ugra.

Gideon Haigh, cricket writer for The Australian newspaper, has called the BJP "shameless in its self-interest" for co-opting the sport.

"Cricket is just one of many institutions it has captured, although it is the one most meaningful to the most people," Haigh told AFP.

- Stadiums renamed -

The BJP won state elections in Rajasthan in December, and last month a minister's son took charge of the cricket board.

In New Delhi, the capital's stadium was renamed in 2019 after a BJP stalwart, the late finance minister Arun Jaitley, whose son Rohan Jaitley heads the state cricket board.

For the previous 137 years, it had been called the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium, after a 14th-century Muslim sultan.

And when India hosted the ODI World Cup last year, Modi attended the final at the world's biggest cricket stadium -- which is named after him -- in Ahmedabad.

A home victory would undoubtedly have further boosted national pride ahead of the election, but India lost in the decider.

Modi went into the dressing room, accompanied by a camera crew, to embrace the Indian team. "It happens," he told them. "Keep smiling, the country is looking up to you."

India's delays or denials of visas for the tournament for players and fans from arch-rival Pakistan had raised some concerns.

Other players with Pakistani heritage -- including Australia's Usman Khawaja and England's Shoaib Bashir -- have also faced visa challenges during India tours.

The BCCI did not respond to a series of questions submitted by AFP.

- 'Looked the other way' -

Cricket is a lucrative business in the world's most populous nation, home to 1.4 billion people.

By some counts, Indian cricket on average generates more revenue than Bollywood.

The IPL is the world's richest cricket league and has added to the BCCI's wealth, with the board selling the 2023-27 T20 tournament's broadcast and digital rights for $6.2 billion.

Commentators say the BCCI's wealth and reach enables it to pull strings at cricket's world governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC).

More than 90 percent of the sport's billion-plus worldwide fans are in the Indian subcontinent, according to a 2018 ICC study.

In other countries, the ICC has been swift to suspend boards over political interference, including in Zimbabwe in 2019 and Sri Lanka last year.

ICC rules say cricket boards must manage their affairs "autonomously" and "ensure that there is no government (or other public or quasi-public body) interference in its governance".

The ICC declined to comment on India's role.

Modi opened his eponymous 132,000-seater ground in Ahmedabad in 2020 in a mega-rally for then-US president Donald Trump.

Haigh covered the 2023 India-Australia series and recalled how Modi toured the venue in a golf cart alongside his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese when it hosted the fourth Test.

BJP members, government officials and school children were bussed in for the event, cheering as Modi lapped the venue.

The stadium rapidly emptied after the leaders left, even as play began.

"That the ICC -- which purports to deplore political interference in cricket -- studiously looked the other way, tells you all you need to know about its capture by the BCCI," Haigh said.

Just not cricket: Indian politicians bat for power

Cricket is more than just a game in India: critics accuse ruling-party politicians and the sport's closely linked mega-rich board of exploiting its huge popularity for electoral advantage."Control is exercised not just through its presence of senior officials connected to the ruling party, but...

sg.news.yahoo.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Modi Wants ‘400 Paar’ to… Ensure Congress Doesn’t Select More Muslims for Cricket Team​

Narendra Modi on Tuesday continued to respond to the opposition’s charge of the BJP asking for “400 seats to finish reservations for backwards, tribals and Dalits” by training his guns on the country’s Muslims. While campaigning in Dhar in Madhya Pradesh, Modi said: “The Congress’s intention is to give priority to minorities in sports as well. This means it will now decide who will be in and out of the cricket team on the basis of religion.”

He added: “I ask the Congress today, if this was what they have wanted, why did it divide mother India into three pieces when it became independent in 1947? … They should have made the entire country into Pakistan in 1947 and erased all traces of India then and there.

“I am saying this flatly today, and all the Congress people and those like them must listen carefully … As long as Modi is alive, he will not allow any attempt to erase India’s identity in the name of false secularism or pseudo-secularism.”

He continued to focus on the singular anti-Muslim theme as he has ever since his campaign in Banswada in Rajasthan, steering clear from defending or mentioning his regime’s ten-year record in government.

He went on to say that the Congress intends to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision on the Ram Mandir.

In a new twist to why ‘400 seats’ were necessary, Modi said in Dhar that he needs ‘400 seats’ so the Congress does not succeed in its purported plan to put the “Babri lock” on the temple in Ayodhya or bring back Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Incidentally, it was in Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as prime minister and a Congress state government in UP that the locks of the Babri Masjid were opened in Ayodhya in 1985.

The Congress’s spokespersons defended the party on this. Pawan Khera said that “the distraught prime minister today said the Supreme Court’s verdict on [the] Ram mandir will be overturned if the Congress forms the government.

“They forgot that only the Congress party remained firm on its stand from the beginning till the end of this dispute that if this dispute could not be resolved through mutual reconciliation, then the decision of the court would be final. Whereas the BJP kept changing its stand every [three to four] years.”

After the first phase, Modi had said he needed to cross ‘400 seats’ so the Congress cannot steal the reservation of Dalits, tribals and OBCs.

In Khargone and Dhar, Modi went to great lengths to counter the opposition’s charge that allegations that the slogan “400 paar” (Hindi for ‘beyond 400’) was aimed at abolishing the constitution.

Saying that the Congress and INDIA bloc parties were spreading lies that Modi would change the constitution if he gets 400 seats, Modi added: “They should know that from 2019 to 2024 … Modi already had the support of 400 seats in the form of the NDA and the NDA-plus alliance.”

He went on to say that Modi needs 400 seats so the Congress cannot put the ‘Babri lock’ on the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and revive Article 370.

In Khargone, he said: “India is at a crucial turning point in history. You have to decide whether there will be ‘vote jihad’ or ‘Ram rajya’ in India.”

“Terrorists in Pakistan are threatening jihad against India, and Congress people here have announced that people must do ‘vote jihad’ against Modi. That is, people of a special religion have been asked to unite and vote against Modi,” he said.

“Think about it, what level has the Congress come down to? Where have frustration and disappointment thrown the Congress to? … You tell me, is vote jihad acceptable to you? Can this happen in a democracy? Does the Indian constitution allow such a jihad?”

The Constitution of India provides for universal adult franchise, and each of its adult citizens, irrespective of their faith, caste, region, creed, economic status, beliefs or gender, is entitled to cast a vote in favour of any candidate of their choice or to press NOTA (none of the above).

Modi also obliquely referred to RJD leader and former chief minister of Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and cited him as saying that Muslims must not only have reservations but must get all the reservations.

He tried to use Lalu’s words as incitement by saying: “What does this mean? It means these people want to steal all the reservations SCs, STs and OBCs have had and give all of it to Muslims.

“But why are these people doing this? Because they are surviving only on this vote bank, they have lost everything else, everyone has left them running, one by one.”

The PM’s ally in Andhra Pradesh, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)’s Chandrababu Naidu has promised 4% reservation to Muslims should the BJP-TDP-Jana Sena alliance come to power.

But Modi did not refer to Naidu in this speech in Madhya Pradesh.

Modi Wants ‘400 Paar’ to… Ensure Congress Doesn’t Select More Muslims for Cricket Team

Pushed on the backfoot over the ‘400 seats’ claim, Modi attempted to say it was needed to prevent reversals on the Ram temple and the reading down of Article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir.

thewire.in

 

[FearlessRoar]

India's Modi taps power of cricket on campaign trail​

When India's mighty cricket squad lost to Australia at the World Cup final in November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the unusual step of consoling shocked players in the dressing room of a massive stadium named after himself.

Since then, Modi has invoked India's most popular sport on the campaign trail, and some saw last year's global sporting showpiece as the start of his re-election bid in national polls set to wrap up next week.

Cricket commentator Suresh Menon described the World Cup as an "extended election campaign," as Modi seeks a rare third term.

While Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party may be turning it up a notch, cricket has been a part of India's well-worn political playbook stretching back 70 years to when its first post-independence prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, played a charity match in Delhi.

"I don't think there is any selfish interest in cricket from the prime minister ... anyone in his position would do the same," Devendra Prabhudesai, a prominent cricket commentator, said of Modi's World Cup appearance at the 132,000 capacity Narendra Modi Stadium in his home state of Gujarat. "Politicians have been on board with cricket for years and this has benefited the game."

There is little doubt about cricket's connection to an electorate of some 970 million. The world's most populous nation has some 125.2 million fans of the sport, according to an estimate by Mumbai-based consultancy Ormax, a number that swells considerably during major international tournaments such as the 2023 World Cup, when it was reported that 300 million Indians watched their team play the final.

During this year's six-week election marathon, the 73-year-old Modi has leaned on the sport to sway voters of all stripes.

In April, he paid tribute to Mohammed Shami, the Muslim bowler who starred at the World Cup, during an election rally in Amroha, a Muslim-majority city in Uttar Pradesh state.

"The whole world has seen the amazing feat that ... Mohammed Shami did in the Cricket World Cup," Modi said at the time, adding that the 33-year-old was being given the Arjuna Award, one of the country's highest sporting honors.

But the following month, Modi cited cricket in a warning that Muslims -- India's biggest religious minority -- would get preferential treatment over the Hindu majority if the main opposition Congress party won at the polling booth.

"The Congress party's intent is to give minorities a preference in sport," Modi said. "It means, on the basis of religion, Congress will decide who stays in the cricket team and who won't."

Modi's links to cricket run deep. In 2009, several years before he became India's leader, he was named president of the Gujarat Cricket Association. And since taking the country's top job, he has maintained a close relationship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which governs the game.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, described by the Guardian as "the most powerful single person in any sport anywhere in the world," is the son of Modi's home affairs minister and right-hand man, Amit Shah, a former head of Gujarat cricket. The BCCI's treasurer is BJP politician Ashish Shelar while Indian Premier League (IPL) chief Arun Dhumal is the brother of Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, a former head of the BCCI.

These links have generated criticism that the relationship between Modi's ruling party and the cricket agency is too close.

"In the past, cricket was used by politicians but used to create social cohesion," Sarthak Mondal, president of the Indian Sports Management Association and sports economics lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, told Nikkei Asia. "It has changed. The agenda of the BCCI seems to be following the same agenda as the BJP."

The wildly successful IPL -- its broadcast rights sold for $6 billion in 2022, making it one of the world's most lucrative sporting competitions -- may be key to the ruling party making good on a pledge to bid for the 2036 Olympics. Cricket will feature in the global contest from 2028.

Demands on security resources meant that the 2009 and 2014 IPL seasons were moved, in full or in part, overseas during an election year. But during the BJP's tenure, the league has played at home amid elections.

"The IPL has played nicely in [the] BJP's Make in India campaign," Mondal said of a government drive to boost domestic growth. "The IPL is a huge festival, and so are the Indian elections. Both require a lot of public resources and by staging the IPL in India during the elections, they sent out a clear message to the average Indian."

India's Modi taps power of cricket on campaign trail

Wildly popular sport has featured in prime minister's bid for third term

asia.nikkei.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

He can do it, no wonder, since his right-hand man Amit Shah's son is the BCCI secretary

 

[Local.Dada]

He can do it, no wonder, since his right-hand man Amit Shah's son is the BCCI secretary

Who runs cricket in PCB?

 

[FearlessRoar]

Who runs cricket in PCB?

Mohsin Naqvi is not son of any minister

 

[Local.Dada]

Mohsin Naqvi is not son of any minister

Is he a ex-cricketer? Jay Shah is a secretary, BCCI president is Roger Binny a former World Cup winning cricketer.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Mohsin Naqvi is not son of any minister

rather than being the son a minister he is a minister himself!

 

[JaDed]

Mohsin Naqvi is not son of any minister

Yea he is someone that has huge properties outside Pakistan.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Narendra Modi praised the USA men's cricket team for their impressive performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at an Indian diaspora event in New York's Nassau Coliseum:

"Some days back here, the T20 World Cup took place. The USA team played so well in that competition. That team had so many Indian people who are living here and their contributions were witnessed by the whole world."