IND-PAK collection in 1999 continued regardless of political tensions
A recreation of cricket between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is at all times greater than only a recreation. With political and emotional elements taking part in a giant function throughout their match. However do you know that in 1999, amid the horrific Kargil Battle, the 2 nations nonetheless went forward with a two-match Check collection?
Regardless of heightened tensions alongside the border, India hosted Pakistan for a two-Check collection in early 1999, simply months earlier than the Kargil battle escalated. The collection got here after years of cricketing disruptions attributable to political rigidity, together with the cancellation of Pakistan’s 1991 tour because of the many points and a number of incidents of vandalism by political events to cease matches.
1991 collection cancelled
Notably, in 1991, Pakistan was scheduled to tour India for a five-Check collection, however the tour was cancelled after political activists dug up the Wankhede Stadium pitch in Mumbai in protest of Pakistan’s involvement in Kashmir. This led to a collection of sports activities being interrupted by politics.
Pakistan workforce returns to India for two-match Check collection
After a spot of eight years in 1999, Pakistan returned to India for the Check collection, making it the primary full collection in India since 1987. However as soon as once more, activists vandalised the Feroz Shah Kotla pitch in Delhi and even threatened to launch venomous snakes onto the bottom. BCCI needed to deploy snake charmers as a precaution. Regardless of the interruptions, the match went as deliberate.
However this collection grabbed consideration as a result of it was scheduled throughout the Kargil Battle, a full-fledged battle between India and Pakistan that started in Could 1999. Regardless of the strain, the group in Chennai applauded Pakistan’s hard-fought victory, creating some of the respectful and emotional moments in India-Pakistan cricket historical past. The collection ended 1-1.
Will India play Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025?
Quick ahead to 2025, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) just lately introduced the schedule for the 2025 Asia Cup, with India and Pakistan positioned in Group A and anticipated to conflict on September 14. Nonetheless, the affirmation got here after the continued tensions, together with the Pahalgam terror assault in April that claimed 26 lives. India performed a navy operation named Operation Sindoor in response.
The BCCI initially withheld affirmation of India’s participation, awaiting clearance from the central authorities. Although the Asia Cup schedule has been launched, many are asking for the board to drag out.
Nonetheless, in response to sources, India might not forfeit the match, given the principles of multi-nation tournaments. A walkover might hand Pakistan a bonus within the group stage. In each cases, cricket was the point of interest between diplomacy and nationwide sentiment. In 1999, regardless of an lively conflict, the collection proceeded. At this time, regardless of political unrest and public anger, there an analogous questions being raised.
Get each cricket updates! Observe Us: