Sponsors and broadcasters could immensely benefit from creating a hype matching their commercial schemes of interests and objectives. Otherwise, an India-Pakistan cricket encounter loses its sheen with a show of spectacle irreparably impacting the spirit of gentleman’s game. I don’t understand why this has to always do with a set of provocative statements affecting the morale and sentiments of the playing squad.
I firmly believe cricket administrators, experts and commentators should draw the line when it comes to boldly articulating their biases. This alters the psyche of those who follow the game closely, forces them to defend the tiniest of details without bothering to scrutinise, as has become the case with the latest illustrations that has led to stereotyping. As for the firecracker visuals doing rounds on social media portraying a Pakistani fan in a bad light, breaking his television as they were unable to digest Pakistan’s crunching defeat at the hands of India.
I do understand India has won all their five competitions against Pakistan in World Cup T20 but it nowhere establishes the shortcomings of the other team as for their presentation in the field. Let, the players decide rather than us being marred by perceptions and propaganda of it.