SAMAJ WEEKLY UK
Bal Ram Sampla
Geopolitics
India and Pakistan have many problems. One big problem is terrorism. Many terrorists come from Pakistan and attack India. Indian people, police, and brave soldiers lose their lives in these attacks. These actions hurt the hearts of the Indian people.
Because of this, India has stopped trade, people to people contact, and cultural programs. But sometimes, cricket matches still happen between the two countries. This makes many Indians angry. They ask, “If we don’t do business or share culture, why are we playing cricket with a country that supports terrorism?”
Cricket is more than a game. It is a very big event. People all over the world watch it. If India plays cricket with Pakistan, it gives the wrong message—that everything is okay. But everything is not okay. Indian families are suffering. Soldiers are dying. Terrorists in Pakistan are still not stopped.
Some people say, “Sports and politics should be separate.” But history shows that this is not true. In 1980, many Western countries boycotted the Olympics in Russia because Russia invaded Afghanistan. They said, “We cannot support a country that attacks others.” This shows that sport is political.
Today, many Indians feel there should be no cricket with Pakistan till terrorism stops.
This means:
1. Pakistan must dismantle all terrorist camps.
2. Pakistan must hand over terrorists wanted by UN and India.
3. Until then, there should be no bilateral or Asia Cup.
India isn’t forced to play in the Asia Cup by the ICC (International Cricket Council). It is a separate tournament. India can say no. Playing cricket while Pakistani terrorists attack India is disrespectful to the families who lost their loved ones.
Conclusion
India should send a strong message, no cricket, no sport, no talks, until Pakistan ends terrorism. We must respect our soldiers and the people who suffer because of terror attacks. Cricket can wait. National honour and safety come first.
