The very people who opposed India’s participation in the T20 Asia Cup are now criticising the Indian cricket team for having targeted Pakistan in multiple ways on its way to victory. Prime Minister Modi’s mention of Operation Sindoor while congratulating the team has been declared as inappropriate. Sanjay Raut of the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena has declared the boycott of the PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who insisted on handing out the Trophy to the winners, as hypocritical because the Indian team had shaken hands with him a few days earlier.
It was certainly a gamble on the part of the BCCI to have participated in the Asia Cup, as a defeat at the hands of Pakistan in the final would have been greatly embarrassing. But this is the new India, willing to take risks to achieve its goals. It paid off as the tournament provided numerous opportunities to humiliate the Pakistanis – over three matches, including the final. It did involve facing corrective action from the ICC, including Captain Suryakumar Yadav having 30% of his match fees deducted, but it was worth it in terms of raising people’s morale. Yadav further went on to contribute his entire match fees to the Indian Army and the Pahalgam victims after the win.
It has also been made clear that, rather than conceding space to the Pakistanis – which boycotting the Asia Cup would have meant – India will pursue the goal of further isolating the PCB and its team. Exclusion from the ICC would be a major blow to Pakistan, as it is not doing too well in any sports at the present. Unfortunately, while the nation stands solidly with the Indian team, the opposition is more focused on playing politics on the issue. What manner of thinking is it that makes it believe the people will agree with its approach?
Also, it is not just the victory but the way it was won that is significant. A lot of preparation and carefully crafted strategy went into India’s campaign. The Pakistan team management, on the other hand, is being pilloried by its supporters for its ad hoc approach to selection and tactics in the field. This reflects how differently, overall, the two nations are progressing. India has clear goals in mind and is willing to take the risks required to succeed. On the other hand, Pakistan is grasping at straws, hoping for some miracle that will see it through its many crises.
