“There is no conspiracy theory that is going on — as is being reported in media. The media is biased at times. The media is responsible (for the Pak-players fiasco). The media doesn’t want to report on things that should matter. The media only wants to sensationalise.”
– Lalit Modi, chairman of BCCI’s IPL subcommittee
“The reasons for dropping (Pakistanis) were understandable in the current scenario. The franchisees couldn’t provide for the security of the Pakistani players and hence decided against bidding for them in the auction.”
- Shilpa Shetty, Rajasthan Royals co-owner
“Pakistan needs to think why it has not been able to create the conditions that can convince people here that it is serious about bringing to book the 26/11 plotters."
- the Congress asking for some introspection on why its cricketers were shunned
Two days ago everyone was singing a different tune. The question of availability of cricketers is not the same as our inability to provide them with security. The media might have gone into overdrive, but when it suits the IPL they want the same over-the-top reportage. Remember the cheerleaders?
Interestingly enough, news reports tell us that the Congress and the BJP “unite” on this issue. This isn’t about unity, but riding on the bandwagon.
The Pakistanis are responding with equal fervour. I say, if there is a problem that they are being sidelined, they should ask Wasim Akram to resign as coach immediately.
Now, let me tackle our government’s statement.
Who are the people that need to be convinced? The IPL franchisees? Do all of them think alike? The cricket-crazy public who would have liked to see the Pakistanis play?
The GOI has latched on to an issue that it said it had nothing to do with and connected it with the 26/11 attacks. How is Pakistan to convey seriousness if just suppose it is not serious? And if it is not serious, then it is for us to introspect since they are clear about it.
Incidentally, if someone has murdered do you expect him to prove that he has killed? Isn't the onus on the victim’s family to stand as witness and the police to look for clues? Why would Pakistan bring to book the plotters? I am afraid, it sounds stupid.
We can ask them to stop infiltrating, we can discuss terrorism, but to try a specific crime that is committed on our soil? This is like asking dacoits to surrender or criminals to confess. Given that we have Ajmal Kasab in our prison and a cop has mentioned how he spoke to one of the handlers posing as a waiter, are we not upto the task?
The problem today is that Pakistan has eroded all the trust different sections of Indian society had in Pakistanis and Pakistan. Today, speaking for myself, there is no hope that Pakistan will pull itself together and not just make its life's mission to hobble India at every step.
ReplyDeleteThe military that runs Pakistan uses Pakistani people as pawns in their strategic plans...plans that have earned themselves the sobriquet of "tactically brilliant" (and stregically suicidal).
Their original plan was to cut India by a thousand cuts but in the end the only one bleeding is them.
The Pakistan situation will stabilize eventually but first there need to be various events that will be a litmus test as to whether:
1. is anyone really in charge of Pakistan?
2. Who is that entity that India should be talking to?
3. What are these people in charge of Pakistan doing about the terrorist camps in their region?
4. When are they going to stop working non-stop to create terror against Indians?
Here is this week's list of Pakistan's activities to create terrorism in India (with official support of the Pakistani govt. and army):
1. Border fence broken into and a group of terrorists are known to be in hiding in J&K.
2. Intelligence agencies have warning of Pakistani groups buying lots of gliders for their next attack on India. Indians need to think about how this can be used against them in the coming months...
mixing sports and politics is "wrong" etc....but those sentiments are for a world where there are rules of behaviour and conduct...the Pakistanis have shown no respect for such rules. Why should India?
Al:
ReplyDeleteThere was always some element of mistrust. If Pakistan cannot pull itself together how can it hobble any other country? Why are we always so insecure?
The Pakistani military has very little support among the people, and as military rule is part of their history we have to see them in terms of governance and not just an armed force.
The cutting India by a thousand cuts was voiced by Benazir Bhutto, too.
The Pakistan situation will stabilize eventually but first there need to be various events that will be a litmus test as to whether:
1. is anyone really in charge of Pakistan?
Mostly US-backed regime
2. Who is that entity that India should be talking to?
The ruling party that runs the government
3. What are these people in charge of Pakistan doing about the terrorist camps in their region?
If it is in their region, it is their problem
4. When are they going to stop working non-stop to create terror against Indians?
I don’t think there is a time-limit.
Here is this week's list of Indian activities:
Instead of looking for broken fences, make sure they are impenetrable. Instead of counting gliders, we should just be prepared.
Sports and politics have always mixed to an extent in many parts of the world. If Pakistanis have shown no respect for rules (whose rule?), then this won’t be the first time. However, this time people are getting overly agitated. It’s the sponsorship.