Atherton’s warning: Can cricket survive India-Pakistan politics?
Former England cricket captain Michael Atherton has proposed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should rethink scheduling Pakistan-India matches during its global tournaments.
Atherton said the contests, which were once seen as a symbol of sports diplomacy, have now become a “proxy for border tension” between the two countries.
Recalling the situation that arose during the Asia Cup, Atherton said it was time to end the impression that economic and diplomatic reasons dictate the scheduling of Pakistan-India encounters.
He maintained that the matches between the two rivals no longer represent healthy competition but instead mirror frosty political relations.
“The time has come that this impression should end due to the decline in relations between the two countries,” Atherton said.
Financial impact on ICC events
Atherton said that Pakistan-India matches have a huge financial impact on ICC events, which could be a key reason behind their continued inclusion.
According to him, the broadcast rights linked to these fixtures are valued at around $3 billion, making them one of the most lucrative spectacles in international cricket.
“This match in ICC events has a big financial impact — perhaps that’s why it keeps happening,” Atherton remarked, highlighting how commercial interests have overtaken sporting ethics.
More politics, less cricket
The ex-England captain highlighted that how cricket, once used to foster diplomacy, now appears to serve as a platform for political tension and propaganda.
“Cricket was once seen as a vehicle for diplomacy but now it is clearly a proxy for tension and propaganda,” he said, questioning the justification for continuing such matches.
He also urged the ICC to ensure transparency in tournament draws, saying that if Pakistan and India do not face each other naturally, “then so be it.”
Can cricket survive India-Pakistan politics?
Due to the complex nature of relations between India and Pakistan, it’s highly unlikely that Pakistan and India would stop involving politics in cricket. Politics is not just limited to cricket only, but it has extended to all departments, including infotainment. Both the countries need to seriously think about it and improve relations with mutual respect and dialogue.
