Indo-Pak Cricket Resumption: A Peace Plan for Resolving the Conflict

Abstract

Pakistan and India, the most important states of Asian region, have been in constant state of conflict since their inception in 1947. Both the states, once part of British sub-continent, had severe clashes with each other over the difference of opinion on religion, social norms, cliché and life styles. Both the countries have undergone hostile relationships. The turmoil was observed on social political and economic aspects. However, masses of both the states possess and feel equal sentiments for cricket that has become a victim of long lasting political venom and weak diplomatic ties between the two. It’s been ages Indian cricket team has visited Pakistan for any tournament and whenever both the teams have played against each other anywhere in the world, frenzy, amusement, passion and vigor was observed. This study aims at analyzing and evaluating the factors hindering the sports of both the countries and depriving its masses from interacting with each other. The nature and typology of the conflict is intangible political conflict. A conflict progression model or nested model is applied to make an attempt to resolve the conflict. Primary as well as secondary research was carried out to examine the role of Pakistan Cricket Board in resuming Indo-Pak cricket, the way forward they have adopted and role of government in reshaping sports activities. Semi-structured Interviews were conducted from PCB officials to have an insight on the ongoing status of dialogue between the cricket boards of both the countries. It can be concluded from the research that Indo-Pak cricket conflict is outgrowth of rigidity and failure of diplomatic relations between the two states. If the governments adopt the recommended peace plan that includes the participation of higher leadership, middle level leadership and leadership at grass root levels, only then the issue can be transformed and can be put forward for resolution. This attempt can result in socio-political and economic prosperity of the region along with strengthening the sports between both the states.