Every country in the world is trying to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak, and amid the same, Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar on Wednesday came up with a novel idea of organising a cricket match between India and Pakistan, with an aim to raise money to help the relief efforts. While this seems to be a good idea, it makes one question the possibility on a logical level, making one wonder if a possibility of any cricket match to happen in the near future. To be honest, it is almost impossible.
Both India and Pakistan have resorted to nationwide lockdown to deal with the outbreak. In such a situation, even if one plans to have an indoor or just a televised match (as proposed by Akthar), seems unlikely. The logistics of holding any match are impossible.
The legendary Kapil Dev also replied to the Akhtar’s remarks on a similar tone. He said that while Akhtar is entitled to have an opinion of his own but we in India have enough funds for us. In a statement to a news agency, Dev said, “He is entitled to his opinion but we don't need to raise the money. We have enough. For us, what is important right now is how our authorities work together to deal with this crisis. I am still seeing a lot of blame game on television from the politicians and that needs to stop. Anyway, the BCCI has donated a hefty amount (Rs 51 crore) for the cause and is in a position to donate much more if the need arises. It doesn't need to raise funds."
Akhtar had proposed that there should be a special made-for-television three-match ODI series between India and Pakistan, as both the countries have not played any regular series for a while now and the last match between the neighbouring country was during the World Cup in 2019.
On one hand, Aktar is proposing a match for the two countries to come together and fight for the COVID-19 outbreak and on the other hand, even at these times of crisis, Pakistan is resorting to heavy shelling at the line of control (LOC). As per reports Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing from small arms and shelling mortars along the LoC in Mankote sector of Poonch district. These incidents were reported on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, April 5, five Indian Army Jawans were martyred in an encounter to stop infiltrators from entering in India.
So rather than a cricket match, it would have been much appreciated if Aktar could have condemned the timing of the attack or appealed to people to spread peace and harmony while the world is trying to grapple with a pandemic of this nature.
Share
Tweet
