So, the hue and cry over locking horns with arch-enemy Pakistan on the pitch is the most-covered news item of late.
The decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the Asia Cup, also featuring Pakistan at a neutral venue, has incurred a huge backlash with even politicians wading into the debate.
While an ex-cricket captain like Sourav Ganguly gives a Thumbs Up to the move, there are others who are in no mood to nod in the affirmative.
But let’s dissect it meticulously. Is it the cricketing angle that is the bone of contention?
Would there have been so much of a hysterical reaction had it been any other sport?
The enmity with Islamabad has hit the nadir following the Pahalgam mayhem, triggering an Indian retaliation in the form of Operation Sindoor.
As things stand now, the chances of restoring diplomatic stability are feeble with both nations engaged in a war of words on various global fora.
So, should India continue to entertain sporting face-offs with a rogue nation that harbours nefarious intentions to fan terrorism on our soil?
The wrangle would meet with no logical conclusion, but there is another side to it.
The two countries have faced each other innumerable times on various multilateral tracks despite cricketers being ordered to call off bilateral ties.
In fact, in recent times India and Pakistan have battled it out in javelin, kabaddi, hockey, tennis and even soccer, though not at bilateral events.
Why were all those patriots silent then? Pakistan, over the years, has resorted to utmost cowardice by orchestrating macabre assaults on Indian soil, be it the Mumbai attack, Kargil intrusion and Pulwama brutality, with the latest being the Pahalgam killings.
In spite of such abject cruelty displayed by Pakistan, we never turned our backs on clashes even on the 22-yards.
So, why are we suddenly reinvigorating our love for the motherland and falling back upon jingoism to admonish moves to counter the Pakistani challenge on the sporting field?
Or is this patriotism just confined to our cricketers whose clout with the masses is akin to be revered as demi-Gods?
The logic on the part of the government is comprehensive enough – with an eye on hosting the 2036 Olympics, we will lose our bet if we drag our political and diplomatic antipathy to the sporting arena.
If Russia and Ukraine can square off in multi-nation tournaments, then one fails to derive any prudence out of this anathema for Pakistan’s presence in itineraries that are not bilateral.
The imbroglio over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands between England and Argentiana never barred the two countries from competing for supremacy in a World Cup soccer game.
So, how are we setting an exceptional trend?
Opting out of a tie against Pakistan can also deprive us of a chance to make it to the knock-out stage. And even if we qualify, should we still stick to our guns and avoid facing Pakistan in the quarters or semis or even the Grand Finale?
Will javelin legend Neeraj Chopra give a walkover to his fiercest competitor, Arshad Nadeem, in the title match?
Or will Shubman Gill’s boys decline to take the field against Pakistan in a World Test Championship final?
How will those staunch patriots substantiate their stubborn belief in the wake of our athletes losing out on opportunities to bring laurels to our country?
Don’t seeth in anger if the enemy country gives us the moniker escapists.
Instead of taking umbrage at the ruling dispensation’s go-ahead to take on Pakistan on the sporting field, our leaders must factor in the ground reality before hitting the streets to rile against the government.
If unscrupulousness still prevails over sagacity, then it’s a sad story.
Before winding up, every concerted effort should be made to make a nation that thrives on destabilising its neighbours eat a humble pie.
Yet, shunning sporting battles is bereft of rationality. Seek inspiration from our jawans and take that resolute zeal forward to ensure the Tricolour flutters atop after emphatic victories over our arch rivals – avenging their timidity in striking from behind.
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Meanwhile, the political platitudes should take a backseat.
Proud of being an Indian!
