Cricket is so closely identified with fairness that the ultimate term for unfairness in certain circles is, “It’s not cricket.” That makes us wonder, judging by the recent incidents in India and Pakistan after the early exit of Pakistan and India from the World Cup, is it really “cricket” for Pak and Indian fans? Watching their antics, one fails to understand why people become so crazy and furious when their favorite team loses a game. Don’t these people have in their countries any issue of real importance to protest? It would have been more appropriate if the protests had been directed against the undue importance the authorities give to cricket — a hangover from their past of colonial slavery — while neglecting the development of traditional sports of these countries.
Besides, don’t these people know that in every game there will be winners and losers? The only ones who always win are the viewers who get an opportunity to see top-notch games. Those who played well will definitely win and get cheers and the losers jeers. Winners will, at some other time, become losers and losers winners. That is why it is called a game. Fans must understand and accept this fact with the true spirit of sportsmanship. Street protests or violent demonstrations against individuals or causing damage to lives and property can in no way be justified as spirit of sportsmanship.
People who are indulging in such unruly behavior are not cricket fans but hooligans and criminals and should be dealt with sternly by the authorities.
So what is the new passtime being suggested here…
Kabbadi or Malakhra…
Cricket is an obsession in Pak-India. There is no way you can root out this time pass activity.
Even ppl like myself, who are too alienated from the current establishement and TEAM members, still love the sport deep down inside. And If my team will come back and win against the likes of Australia, SA , then they will become the heart throb of everyone again.
