However the oppose have been registered within NDA specially from BJP and its Biggest alliance Shiv Sena’s members. Youth welcome the dicision.
Even though the Narendra Modi government has given the nod for India-Pakistan cricket series to be held in UAE in December but Shiv Sena has opposed it. Sena and some members of BJP have always raised objections against cricketing ties with both the nations. In 1991, Sena activists entered the Wankhede Stadium and dug up a pitch where the teams were to play a Test match.
Even in the recent past BJP lawmaker had asked the Narendra Modi government not to clear the proposed resumption of India-Pakistan cricket series. Former Union Home Secretary RK Singh questioned the need for resuming sporting ties with a country which shelters terrorists responsible for carrying out attacks in India. But many cricket lovers were optimistic about restoring the bilateral cricketing relationship.
When AV spoke to an ardent cricket lover Karishma Joshi, she said, “Cricket boards of both India and Pakistan should arrive at a consensus to revive cricketing ties. Government’s approval is mandatory. However, we cannot deny the fact that Indo-Pak matches are always interesting.”
Journalist and freelance writer, T Vijay said, “This is totally unacceptable … absolutely appalling decision by the utterly insensitive BCCI, in the wake of Lakhvi’s release by Pakistan. The blood of the Mumbai massacre victims have not dried yet. The Government should not take such decisions.”
A student Urvashi Vashishtha told this paper, “There are difference between sports, arts and terror activities. We have Pakistani actors acting in films, and singer singing here then why to impose a ban on players? Government should pressurize Pakistan to stop sponsoring terror activities from their soil.”
Vaibhav Maheshvari, a jewellery designer said, “Both teams should play against each other in one mutual series. It is happening after a long period of time. The match would be interesting but that does not mean people’s anger against Pakistani terrorists will ever subside.”
On the other hand, Sena says how India can resume cricketing ties with Pakistan at a time when it sponsors terrorism. The party has been known for creating hurdles before the India-Pakistan matches.
“I’m very disappointed by the government’s decision. PM Modi had promised to take strong action against Pakistan and now he is approving Cricket series against the same nation. Nothing has changed after 26/11 except for the government. It’s indeed a very shameful decision by Narendra Modi” said Ramesh Solanki, Sena IT cell member.
“I strongly oppose the stand taken by the PM. Indian’s living in Pakistan are harassed and targeted; also this is the same country which plays active role in all terror activities around the world. The government should sever bilateral and sporting ties with traitors like Pakistan. Once our party president decides on further actions, we will strongly oppose this decision” said, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Potnis.
“When Balasaheb was alive, Shiv Sena had strongly opposed Indian Teams playing with Pakistan. BJP was the one which targeted Congress when they approved the Indo-Pak series during their reign, then why they have changed their stance after coming to power. They are fooling the people by making false promises. Shiv Sena will continue to protest and oppose this stand” said, Amit Bhadricha of Shiv Sena IT cell.
While the government was of the view that sports should not be mixed with politics, the sources said there will be no compromise with Pakistan on issue of terrorism.
The last time the two nations played was in 2012-13 when Pakistan visited India for a three-match One Day International (ODI) and two-match Twenty20 series.
