Revival of India-Pakistan sporting ties could yield mutual benefits

For decades, the Pakistan-India rivalry has captivated millions due to the electrifying contests on the field. The traditional rivals have also faced off in multiple events this year, so far, across various sports which showcased the unrelenting passion of the two nations.

From the high-profile Paris Olympics Javelin Throw final featuring Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra to the T20 World Cup 2024 clash in the outskirts of New York, fans on both sides of the border enjoyed every minute of these thrilling clashes.

This is not all as India’s historic visit to Pakistan after 60 years for a Davis Cup tie, the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy match in China and the IBSF World 6 reds Snooker Championships final between Asjad Iqbal and Kamal Chawla in Mongolia also made the headlines.

Meanwhile, the quarter-final of Asian Team squash championship in China and Shahzaib Rindh’s fight with Rana Singh in Karate Combat also revolved around India-Pakistan rivalry.

Hurdles

However, strained relations between the two countries have limited the number of matches during the last few years especially when it comes to bilateral contests.

The last time India and Pakistan played a bilateral cricket series was in 2012-13, whereas 2006 was the last time both countries played a hockey test series.

Last year, India refused to travel to Pakistan, citing securing concerns, for the Asia Cup. This is precisely the reason why some of the matches of the tournament were shifted to Sri Lanka in order to accommodate India.

Additionally, the Pakistan’s snooker team was also forced to miss the IBSF World U17 & U21 Snooker Championship in Bangalore after Indian authorities denied visas to the contingent.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan and it remains to be seen whether India will travel to their neighboring country. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has always insisted that they can’t take the decision to travel to Pakistan since it’s their government that will make the final call.

India team’s visit to Pakistan for the upcoming event could mark a significant turning point in the sporting relations between the two nation and it could revitalize bilateral sporting ties and pave the way for future matches.

Glimpse of a match between Pakistan and India during ICC World Cup 2023.AFP

Since cricket is the most popular sport in the region, the renewed sporting engagement between India and Pakistan could have far-reaching implications while also extending to other sports, such as hockey, squash, tennis, football, and kabaddi. The other sports could also potentially benefit in terms of increased investment, infrastructure development and talent identification if India-Pakistan matches are regularly held.

Ultimately, this initiative represents a win-win for the region since it will create opportunities for emerging athletes while also promoting peace and understanding. In short, if India and Pakistan can figure out a way to start a new chapter in sports diplomacy, the possibilities for growth and development are endless.