Win-win

Cricket and politics have played in tandem: they waxed and waned together for the two countries. After the Parliament attack,Indias tour of Pakistan in 2004,suffused with an extraordinary bonhomie between the peoples,became the springboard for a change in bilateral ties. Last year,Mohali too became the site for diplomatic overtures. Following Pakistan PM Yousuf Raza Gilanis visit and General Ashfaq Kayanis statement,the possibility of Sialkot Stallions,Pakistans T20 champions,playing in India seems real.

Beyond politics,it will be good for cricket and its extraordinary gentlemen. It could showcase the best of Pakistan in a format that they have the instinct to dominate. Eventually,it could also bring Pakistan back into the IPL that could erase the ignominious memories of the 2009 auction when no Pakistani player was picked up. And then it could prove what crowd-pullers like Shahid Afridi and big hitters like the Akmal brothers can do in the shortest format of the game. This can be a great opening.