The Politicization of Cricket: A Bitter Victory and the Erosion of Sportsmanship
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India-Pakistan relations); Sports governance in India (BCCI).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): India and its neighborhood- relations. Cricket diplomacy (or the lack thereof) is a key aspect of the India-Pakistan relationship.
General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics): The ethical responsibility of sportspersons; The concept of sportsmanship vs. nationalism.
Essay: Topics on sports, nationalism, and international relations.
Key Highlights from the News
Despite India's victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, the Indian team's behavior tarnished the win. The article describes it as a "bitter victory".
Refusing to shake hands with Pakistani players throughout the tournament and declining to receive the trophy from the ACC President (a Pakistani minister) were considered unsportsmanlike.
The article criticizes India's sports landscape for becoming another "theatre of conflict" for political tensions, fueled by "shrill nationalism".
The article alleges hypocrisy in India's policy of avoiding bilateral matches but playing Pakistan only in ICC/ACC tournaments (playing the neighbour only in multi-team tournaments), attributing it to large "broadcast revenues" (financial interests).
In the past, players from both countries had friendly relations beyond on-field rivalries. However, today, sports are becoming a means to damage relationships.
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