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Journalism of Courage
At long last the niggling irritants in the forthcoming Indo-Pak cricket series seem to have been sorted out by the cricket boards of both countries and the sub-continent can once again settle down to some gripping cricket. Ahmedabad will now host a one-dayer and even Narendra Modi is happy with that. So all those Shiv Sainiks skulking in the secret corners of that city with their shovels and messages of hate have better make themselves scarce. From now, politicians must pipe down. Let cricket speak.
Let us now re-live the spirit of the Friendship Series of March 2004. Those hordes of Indian fans waiting to make their border crossings with unbounded enthusiasm. The warmth with which ordinary Pakistanis welcomed Saurav Ganguly8217;s men 8212; and in Karachi, most of all. The sporting manner in which they celebrated the Indian team making off with the Samsung Cup. The green flags of Pakistan bearing the crescent and star being waved along with the Tricolour 8212; occasionally even stitched together and waved. The numerous cordial off-the-field encounters between the Indian visitors and their Pakistani hosts 8212; taxi drivers, fruit juice vendors, hotel staff, even passersby. The time has now come for India and Indians to respond in equal measure and we certainly do not want out-of-work politicians queering the pitch.
