The controversy regarding whether there will be an India-Pakistan showdown in the upcoming T20 world cup is not yet over. Although the government of Pakistan has already expressed its stand with regard to the February 15 league-stage game, the actual doubt occurs in case the two teams hold a later stage in the tournament especially in a knockout game that involves a high stakes.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has now explained the position of the team showing that players and team management do not make such decisions. In his view, the squad members will be a strictly obedient party to whatever the government orders, as it was the case with previous scheduling meetings.
Agha clarified that in case a semi-final or a final with India is a possibility then the issue will be yet again taken to the authorities and then the call will not be made. His observations stress the fact that the decisions taken in cricketing, particularly those touching on India, remain influenced by the larger political issues.
In sporting terms, this would make the life of Pakistan cricket team difficult. Cancelling an India match will be equivalent to forfeiting precious points, which will be a major blow to the qualification. This would then push Pakistan in a do-or-die position against other teams such as United States, Netherlands and Namibia with no room to error.
A loss in either of those games would see Pakistan capped in the number of points and the back door opened to allow the associate countries to advance in the ranking. Consequently, speculation of a potential conflict with the Indian cricket team has emerged to be one of the most followed plots of the tournament.
The cricketing world is waiting, at this point, the next step is squarely in the hands of policymakers and not players.