Pakistan tough posturing over Champions Trophy bound to cause them more grief

There are not too many sympathisers for Bangladesh and Pakistan, both countries facing the music because of political instability and terror. And the maximum damage is vis a vis hosting cricket in these two countries. The first was when the ICC (International Cricket Council) moved the women’s T20 World Cup out of Bangladesh and asked the United Arab Emirates to play hosts. It went off well, with New Zealand emerging champions.

On November 11, the ICC was to celebrate a countdown of sorts, 100 days to go for the Champions Trophy. Damn, it had to be cancelled as Pakistan have been left red-faced with India writing to the ICC it will not travel to Pakistan. That was a decision taken by the political establishment in India which views Pakistan as a terror state. If you go by public sentiment as well in India, the cricket team travelling across the border for the Champions Trophy would have been condemned. Ideally, Pakistan should have accepted the hybrid model and let India play its matches in Dubai or Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. No, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) boss Mohsin Naqvi, under orders from the political bigwigs at home took a tough stance. The mood is, no hybrid model for the tournament. It is going to hurt Pakistan in a big way as they do not have any support from other nations which could have travelled.

Pakistan cricket is in a celebration mode after their team won the ODI series in Australia. But, at the same time, to go on an ego trip and refuse the hybrid model means loss of face, loss of revenue and no cricket matches for the fans to watch matches in cities like Lahore where the stands would have been packed to the rafters. The latest one hears from the grapevine, Pakistan has written to the ICC asking why India has refused. This is hilarious. It is well known what India’s stance is on travel to Pakistan for sports or eve tourism. Unless forced or bullied, like the ITF (International Tennis Federation) did to the Indian Davis Cup team, they had to travel across the border. In cricket, there can be no such compulsion as India’s political establishment will not allow travel to a nation which perpetuates terror, kills Indian soldiers.

Everyone is smiling in India. Those who hate Pakistan are happy the Champions Trophy across the border has been derailed by their own cricket establishment. The latest one hears is, South Africa could be the next host. Nobody has a problem travelling to South Africa, where the Indian T20 team is currently playing a series. Had there been some logic, Pakistan would have accepted the hybrid model, which has worked well in the past. Now, they will face revenue loss plus a lot of money has been spent on stadium renovation. The ICC had gone there for inspection and felt pace of work is slow. Now it does not matter whether the stadia are ready on time or not. India will not go to Pakistan and the Champions Trophy hosting dream is as good as over.

Three months back, when news broke out Jay Shah would be the next ICC chairman, the world appreciated it. As the BCCI secretary who also heads the Asian cricket body, he commands respect. If one looks at sponsorship deals and in-stadia advertising, the presence of Indian brands is pronounced. India has been controlling the ICC even in the past. White nations like England and Australia have taken time to realise, it is better an Indianheads the ICC as their revenues are guaranteed. Jay Shah will do a good job is common perception.

Back to the Champions Trophy imbroglio, if South Africa agrees, it will get financial support from the ICC. Dates will have to be changed and the planned 100 days to go celebration will have to be rescheduled. It’s a win-win situation for India both ways, they are fine playing in the UAE or South Africa. Pakistan has to realise cricket diplomacy cannot be restored when there is unease between the two nations. Going through the social media posts of Pakistani handles it is pure vitriol. They will realise, when Jay Shah takes over, it will become even more tough for Pakistan.

The last priority for Indian cricketers is travelling across the border. In due course, the PCB will realise it has shot itself in the foot. Loss of face, loss of revenue and a global embarrassment for an ICC event to be moved out of Pakistan.