Pakistani Player's Non-Inclusion in IPL To Worry

No Pakistani player has been selected this time around for inclusion in the Indian Premiere League (IPL) cricket matches organized by the Board of Control Cricket in India (BCCI). The teams selected for the IPL tournament are constituted by the IPL franchise clubs. No bidder wanted to buy any Pakistani cricketer in the open auction held by the IPL recently. A major controversy has been triggered between India and Pakistan over the matter.

Issue of National Prestige
The Pakistani Government alleged that no Pakistani player has been bought because of the intervention of the Indian Government. Pakistan is linking the issue to its national prestige. Pakistan has taken certain steps in retaliation that can lead to tension in the region.
The Pakistani Government has directed all TV channels not to put out the IPL matches in the county. It also brings pressure on the Pakistani Government to sever ties with India. The entire Pakistani media network is also trying to play up the issue on a large scale.

Functioning of BCCI
The Indian Government has isolated itself from the issue. It maintains that it has nothing to do with the functioning of BCCI. An official statement has been issued that the government has not given any advisory for the IPL in connection with the purchase of the players. Doubtless, it is a widely recognized fact that the BCCI is an autonomous body. Yet, it cannot be admitted that there is no government's intervention. It is no secret that all officials of the body are linked to the government and the party in power, in some way or the other.
Although the government does not interfere in the day-to-day working of the BCCI, the fact remains that the decisions related to policy matters can't be at variance with the official approach. The government does not need any within approval of the board to impose its will on the BCCI. The government can do so through verbal directions also. Though there is no documentary proof, it is construed that in the midst of the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan it has been deemed fit that Pakistani cricketers should not be included in the IPL.

Political Objectives
The owners of franchises of all the teams perceive such a will of the government. In this context, the plea put forward was that if Pakistani players are included in the IPL then there can be an element of risk to the country's security. The organizers of some of the teams have started issuing such statement.
It is distressing to note that sports are also being used for political objectives. It would be in mutual interests of the two countries that sport and cultural affairs are treated as such. A good signal would have been sent around among the people had the players participated in the IPL.
Pakistani cricketers are in no way less than the Indian players. Viewed from the commercial aspect the purchase of the Pakistani players was not a losing bargain. The Indian Government should amend the mistake forthwith and intervene for the participation of certain Pakistani players. No private or non-official organizations should be allowed to create conditions of animosity between the neighboring countries. Pakistan also should exercise some restraint and patience on the issue. It would be better if the two countries settle the issue across the table.