We all know how popular cricket is in the subcontinent. Cricket became popular after the partition of India in 1947. After the famous India-Pakistan Test series held in India, cricket conquered the hearts of the people. I remember back in the early ’80s when the great Imran Khan was the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, a journalist asked Imran, “What do you think should be the decider for the Kashmir issue?” Imran Khan jokingly said, “Let’s have a match, and whoever wins will get Kashmir.” It was just a joke, but at that time, the Pakistan cricket team was one of the most powerful cricket nations. In the late ’80s, Pakistani President Zia-ul-Haq used cricket as a tool to revive peace between both nations.
I remember early 2004 when the Indian cricket team arrived in Pakistan for a series of 3 Test matches and 5 One Day matches. Unfortunately, India thrashed Pakistan in both the Test matches and the One Day matches, but they won hearts. Virender Sehwag, who scored a triple century in the Multan Test, said that when he visited shopping centers in Pakistan, salespersons would often refuse to take money from Indian stars. Sehwag recalls that he was about to get married, so his family asked him to buy clothes from Pakistan, and he was amazed by the hospitality of the Pakistanis.
It’s been so long since India and Pakistan played a home series, which is a very unfortunate thing. Pakistan’s last visit to India was in 2012, when Pakistan won 3 matches in the One Day series and drew the two T20 matches. I still remember the heroic performance from Junaid Khan. This was the best series, and until now, we are still waiting to see a thriller like that. After that series, Pakistan and India met in tournaments like the Asia Cup, World Cup, and Champions Trophy, but the excitement was missing, like we used to witness when they played in their backyard.
Due to some unfortunate incidents, the political establishments of both India and Pakistan have decided not to pursue any further peace work between the two great nations. As a result, people are eagerly waiting to see their favorite Indian players playing in Pakistani stadiums. Virat Kohli, who is nearing retirement, may be the last chance for Pakistanis to witness him playing here during the Champions Trophy 2025. This is only possible if the Champions Trophy takes place in Pakistan. Many teams, including England, Australia, and New Zealand, have agreed to play in Pakistan, but Indian cricket still does not seem convinced to participate in the tournament here. If India doesn’t come to Pakistan, it might be a heartbreak for Pakistani cricket fans. For me, if India and Pakistan play, it will be a win for cricket.
The India-Pakistan cricket series is essential for the financial stability of Pakistan cricket. Recently, there have been reports that due to the poor form of the Pakistan cricket team, not many sponsors are interested in sponsoring the team, and not many media companies have submitted bids to buy the rights for the matches. If the India-Pakistan series were to happen in Pakistan, it would provide a great boost for Pakistan cricket. It would generate huge revenue for both Pakistan and Pakistani cricket. Pakistan needs this boost; it would be like a life-saving injection for a near-death body.