By IANS,
Islamabad : The India-Pakistan World Cup semifinal at Mohali “will be fought tooth and nail but as a cricket match, not an encounter between enemies”, said a leading Pakistani daily. “It’s a cricket match. Repeat: it’s a cricket match,” it reminded readers.
An editorial appeared in the Dawn Wednesday, a day when India and Pakistan will play a crucial match that will be witnessed by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on an invitation from his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh.
“The hype is understandable given that we are feverishly anticipating a major sporting contest between traditional foes.
“Hopefully the World Cup semi-final in Mohali will be fought tooth and nail but as a cricket match, not an encounter between enemies.”
It said that Pakistan versus India, at any level, is always big news.
“And when cricket enters the equation, both spirits and expectations soar among sports lovers on either side of Wagah. That said, and this can’t be repeated enough, victory or loss cannot be allowed to sour a relationship that is only beginning to burgeon again after a long, and at times hostile, stalemate.
“It’s a cricket match. Repeat: it’s a cricket match.”
The editorial went on to say: “Spare a thought too for how well we have done despite all the setbacks of recent years: leadership issues, security concerns and the dark shadow of corruption that has haunted the side all too often. At this stage, at least in terms of how we should receive our team when it comes home, it doesn’t really matter whether we win or lose today.
“Of course victory is the desired outcome for any side and nation, be it Pakistan or India. But making the semi-finals of the World Cup is no mean achievement, especially for a team that has been licking its wounds and hoping against hope for resurrection.”
It said that Gilani and Manmohan Singh will be watching the match and “it is likely that they will primarily be talking cricket”.
“That will be in keeping with the spirit of the occasion. But sharing a joke and jointly lauding a catch or shot can only be beneficial on a wider level. It is perhaps time to reflect on all the things the two countries have in common – a passion for cricket being just one such indulgence – and shelve our differences so that both nations can move forward.”
“So well done Pakistan and well done India.”