Just when the chances for the revival of the Indo-Pak cricket ties were looking optimistic, things are back to square one. The recent terror attack in Punjab, alleged to have been masterminded by Pakistani terrorists could well play a spoilsport in the resumption of the India- Pakistan cricket ties.
The BCCI, made it certain that if the political scenarios between the two nations do not improve then the resumption of a bilateral series too seems unrealistic. The recent terror attack will only deter the political relations between the two neighbors.
Sourav Ganguly, India’s former captain backed the BCCI’s words and said that the cricket ties wouldn’t resume if terrorism was ceased once and for all.
“I think BCCI is correct in saying that terror will have to completely go before play could happen. Because as human beings we also want terror to completely go,” Ganguly told media persons during an Apollo Munich Health Insurance event.
“So this has always been the case with an India-Pakistan series. As much as we understand that it is entertaining and it is an high-profile series, we cannot take away the sufferings which the people go through at the border especially after what happened in Gurdaspur yesterday,” he added.
“This has been going on for while. When we went to Pakistan in 2004, I was fortunate enough to be the captain of the side and we won the Test and the ODI series, for the first time in Pakistan. That series happened after 15 years,” Ganguly said.
The Bengal tiger also spoke about the recent verdict in the IPL spot fixing case. Ganguly discussed about the likely future of S. Sreesanth.
“I think he has been cleared by the Delhi court and the BCCI has said that the disciplinary action on him continues. And I believe he has been relieved by the Delhi court of criminal charges. I think the BCCI gives an opportunity to every player to come back and play and I think a dialogue would happen between BCCI and Sreesanth.”
“If the board feels that the clearance from the Delhi court is fine, I am sure it will make way for the him to come back and play cricket,” Ganguly added.
“The Kerala Cricket Association I believe has supported Sreesanth and requested the BCCI to help him and get back on the path. And that’s how it should be. I think in a few months time when the BCCI is convinced that everything is fine and clear, they will let him play”, he added.
Regarding the matter of the coach of the Indian team, Ganguly said, “At the present moment Shastri has been asked to continue as the team director for the Sri Lanka tour.”Even Anurag Thakur has said in an interview that after the Lanka tour, we will sit and find out if we need a coach. Because we have enough people (support staff) in the team. Ravi is the director of the team and I don’t see any difference between a Director and a coach,” said Ganguly.
“So that’s the way board has thought about it. With Sanjay (Bangar) and Bharat Arun and the fielding coach, we don’t need any more than this at the present moment. I think they were very wise in giving Ravi a full go after he joined the team in England last year, so it’s been just one year and why not give him a full go,” he added.