Sandeep Patil: India Can Play Pak, But Not at the Cost of Soldiers
My Test career started by facing a bowler who has today become the Prime Minister of Pakistan, writes Sandeep Patil.
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Brothers across the border or enemies across the border for decades, India-Pakistan relations on or off the field have been questioned. When they play a cricket match, more than a billion viewers get engrossed in watching the tussle. In fact, everything comes to a standstill when these two countries play any sport against each other.
India’s victory over Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup gave immense joy to sports lovers across the nation. But the front-page headlines in the morning newspaper about the son we lost at the border, saddens me and every Indian as well. Questions are asked on whether India and Pakistan should even continue reviving sporting ties. I am not a politician but as a true Indian, I, too, feel very angry about the situation at the border.
My Test career started by facing a Pakistani fast bowler who has today become the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Things were different 30 years back when bilateral series were organised at regular intervals. I have visited Pakistan twice and have also played two home series plus several matches at Sharjah. I have never experienced bad vibes or any bitter incident during these matches. We played tough cricket against the Pakistanis on the field but remained friends off it. And even today, the same ties continue.
If a section of people are happy to watch India play Pakistan, another section is asking if it’s worth reviving ties on the field of sports while we are losing our brave soldiers on the borders almost everyday.
Could Prime Minister Imran Khan bring change to the sad situation? Winning the Asia Cup will be important for both countries, but when you get to read and hear about the attacks on our military camps, cricket takes back seat and rightly so.
My Memories of Playing Pakistan
Coming back to the Asia Cup, there was a big debate about whether Virat Kohli should have been rested or not. Kapil Dev’s answer to this was very simple. He said, when it comes to playing for the country one should not think of taking rest. And mind you he did that for more than 15 years – non-stop bowling, batting and fielding for India.
The Indian team has played some good cricket in the last three years and I am confident they will continue to do so, not only in the Asia cup but in years to follow. If I have to share my memories of playing against Pakistan, I can say that I have had the privilege to play against greats like Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas, Majid Khan, Sarfraz Nawaz, Abdul Qadir, Wasim Akram and so many others.
The first ball I faced in Test cricket was against Imran Khan and how can I forget hitting a four off it.
I also have fond memories of touring Pakistan twice – 1982 and 1984. News before both the tours was not encouraging as there was still some bitterness and the stories of India-Pakistan wars were still doing the rounds.
During the 1982 tour we were in Pakistan for 85 days and mind you, not once did I feel that I was in a different country. The people of Pakistan welcomed the Indian team and during the entire tour, kept us well fed with their country’s delicacies. We lost badly in that series, but went home with fond memories.
The 1984 tour was even was more special as I was newly married and my wife was also on the tour. To my pleasant surprise, on her arrival, General Zia-ul-Haq had made her state guest of Pakistan and also presented her with lot of gifts. In fact, she and other wives of Indian players who were also made state guests were given more security than the Indian team.
Gifting My Wife a Century in Pakistan
How can I forget Faisalabad Test – it was Padwa day on Diwali, the most auspicious day for us Hindus. Before leaving for the ground in the morning, I asked my wife Deepa what gift would she like. She said, “Give me a century”. That day, I went on to score a hundred, and was so happy to have been able to give that special gift to my wife.
I also remember bursting crackers with the entire Indian team members to celebrate Diwali that evening, and also playing a prank with Srikanth during our meeting with General Zia-ul-Haq.
Apart from the famous Awami dress, I did not find any cultural difference with Pakistan. Years have passed but my friendship with all the Pakistani players have remained the same. I believe Prime Minister Imran Khan has the biggest responsibility and challenge in developing good relations, and maintaining peace and harmony with India.
We are proud of his exploits on the field. Hopefully, he will deliver what he said in his inaugural speech after taking oath as Prime Minister. Cricket can go on but certainly not on the cost of brave soldiers. In the end, the decision lies with both the governments. However, I, along with every Indian, will be elated if it happens soon.
(The author is a former India cricketer who played 29 Tests and 45 ODIs for India. After his retirement, Sandeep Patil served as Chief Selector of BCCI’s Selection Committee and also as the Director of National Cricket Academy.)