Miandad146;s latest six

For anyone who ever doubted cricket8217;s peace dividends, here8217;s a reality check. One meeting with Javed Miandad, and Bal Thackeray8217;s objections to India-Pakistan matches seem to have gone for a six. On Friday he promised the former Pakistan batsman that he would discuss with Shiv Sena colleagues the possibility of a Indo-Pak match in Mumbai. Well, well, well. How did this transpire? How did Thackeray8217;s resolute opposition to on-field encounters between the two countries melt away? What has transformed Shiv Sena cadres, who in years past had made a merry pastime of vandalising pitches where Indian and Pakistani cricketers were slated to meet, into potential cheerleaders?

For possible answers, consider the evolving nature of India-Pakistan matches. Whenever the two countries have met, the air has been especially charged 8212; but the atmospherics have changed. In most of the eighties and nineties, a keen antagonism could be discerned among spectators and viewers. Sometimes it was feigned, sometimes it was driven by hostility. In months past, however, the buzz in the stands has been altogether different. In this extended season of peacemaking, there has developed a camaraderie. The old anger seems to be spent. Now there is a cautious bonding. An India-Pakistan match is a vehicle for friendship, and spectators and viewers are more than eager to play their part. It was so in Pakistan earlier this year, and it is likely to remain so when India host their traditional rivals next year. Shiv Sena tigers perhaps gauge the difference. That is why they no longer roar but purr at the prospect of India-Pakistan engagement.

For Mumbai, this is good news. It has been a cruel exclusion for India8217;s premier cricketing city. On its maidans generations of cricketing greats have honed their skills, in its stadia key chapters of subcontinental cricket have been written. The Shiv Sena8217;s opposition, however, meant that in the past decade even the occasional India-Pakistan match could not be taken to Wankhede Stadium. Let8217;s hope they now play with a straight bat.