Sunil Gavaskar Describes How India and Pakistan May Resume Bilateral Cricket

Sunil Gavaskar says that for cricket to resume between India and Pakistan, “peace at the borders” is paramount. Their joint cricketing history has endured jarring setbacks, such as the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks of 2008.

The last bilateral cricketing engagement was a limited-overs tour of India by Pakistan in 2012-13, during which T20 matches were played. The series resulted in a 1-1 draw, while Pakistan took out the ODI leg with a 2-1 verdict. The series was also a significant event in re-establishing the treaties between the two nations, even if briefly.

Gavaskar’s emphasis on peace at the borders signifies the tortuous interlacing of politics and sport in the region. The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is probably the most intensely followed passion, and games between the two sides garner heavy attention globally. Nevertheless, continued tension and mutual distrust between the two nations make it impossible to hold regular bilateral cricketing ties.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Fiery ‘Peace At Border’ Response To A Pakistan Anchor’s Question:

https://x.com/erbmjha/status/1895387943176466900?t=Wvk-AegGCi8YYdlzbWBIFg&s=08

Batting superstar Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his point of view over whether or not cricket bilateral ties should be resumed between the two countries, India and Pakistan. The two teams last competed with each other in a bilateral series back in 2012-13 when the Pakistan team came to India for a white-ball series. Due to political differences between both countries, India vs. Pakistan matches get limited to global and continental events.

Last week, India defeated Pakistan within six wickets for qualification into the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. In a recent discussion, Gavaskar asserted that any resumption of bilateral cricket contests between India and Pakistan would be possible only if their governments create peace at the borders.

“By frankly having peace at the borders… (How can India and Pakistan play a bilateral series?) It’s very simple. If there’s peace at the borders, then I think both governments will certainly say, ‘Look, okay, we’ve had no incidents, nothing at all. So let’s at least start talking’,” Gavaskar said on ‘Ten Sports’ show ‘Dressing Room’.

“I’m pretty certain there will be some back-channel connections going on. But you want to see what’s happening both on the ground and off the ground because of the fact that there are incursions we hear about. That’s the reason why the Indian government is saying, ‘Look, maybe until all that stops, we should not even look at having or talking about anything’,” he added.