India-Pakistan: More than a game

Nottingham: The eyes of the world will be on Manchester on Sunday, when two of cricket’s giants-India and Pakistan meet in one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.

India have fonder memories of meeting Pakistan in recent World Cups, however, beating them four years ago in the group stage and in the 2011 semi-final. And then there was this Sachin Tendulkar masterclass in 2003.

It’s clear that passions are running high before the hotly-anticipated match, which will be attended by thousands of ardent Indian and Pakistani fans. 

But seeing as a slew of recent World Cup matches have been canceled due to rainy weather in the UK, it would be quite ironic if this game is also washed out - especially since it has had such a dramatic warm-up.

Kohli-war ready
India last played on Sunday but Virat Kohli feels India should be ready for their big match against Pakistan with a couple of good training sessions.

“We’ve been playing some good cricket, we’re not too worried about where we stand. Having two wins does give you confidence. A couple of practice sessions and we should be fine. It’s only about getting game time and that should happen on Sunday,” Virat Kohli said on Thursday.

Kohli pointed out that the frenzy around an India-Pakistan match can overwhelm youngsters but maintained that India will be able to manage it and put up a strong show against their arch-rivals on Sunday.

“As soon as you enter the field, it’s all calm. It’s been competitive for a while now, it’s been a marquee event and it’s an honour to be a part of such an event,” Virat Kohli added.

Beyond cricket
“The India-Pakistan relationship is so critical for cricket,” says David Richardson, the outgoing chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC). “It is one of the iconic clashes.”

“The fact that India and Pakistan can play each other in ICC events is a tremendous tool to make sure that things don’t get out of hand and that relationships are kept on an even keel,” Richardson stresses.

However, the two have not met in Test cricket since 2008. The BCCI has refused to take part., while there has been just one bilateral ODI series since then--taking between December 2012 and January 2013.

It is, in many senses, the rivalry to end sporting rivalries; if the Ashes—England’s historic contest with Australia—is the zenith of cricketing traditionalism, then this is something else.

Something bigger and something greater, founded on something other than simply runs and wickets—a sporting feud based on the countries’ wider relationship.

The TV adverts 
Pakistan has upped the ante with a TV ad, making a satire on Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who became a national hero after he was captured in February when tensions between the two countries were high. He was later released as “a gesture of peace”.

The incident, which occurred soon after more than 40 Indian paramilitaries were killed in a suicide bombing in Pulwama in Kashmir, brought the two countries to the brink of war and escalated emotions in India.

When the pilot, Abhinandan Varthaman, was released, he received a hero’s welcome in India.

Indian TV advts are not behind and riposte are making rounds on different channels and platform with the cricket fans lapping it up ahead of the all-important and awaited match.

The truth is, India against Pakistan excites passions like few other sporting contests, and it will offer Virat Kohli’s side a chance to atone for their Champions Trophy final defeat in 2017.