Silly Mid-On Chatter!

The other day, I heard a chorus of wounded Lobby complaining that India's Asia Cup match against Pakistan dishonoured the martyrs of Pulwama. Some were shouting that the BCCI sold its soul for TRPs. Others accused the government of bartering patriotism for profit.

Rubbish.

Let’s face it: cricket between India and Pakistan is not a peace treaty, nor is it an endorsement of terrorism. It’s a game. A serious game, yes, with money and pride at stake — but still a game. Soldiers don’t defend our borders so that we may sit at home sulking every time a ball is bowled by a Pakistani. They defend our right to live, laugh, and yes, watch cricket.

The BCCI isn’t a charity; it runs on revenue. TV rights, sponsorships and packed stadiums pay for the Ranji Trophy, women’s cricket, and the local boys sweating on dusty maidans. Without that money, we wouldn’t have pitches, let alone heroes to worship. Calling it "profit over patriotism" is moral posturing from people who don’t have to keep a sport alive.

As for history, we have both boycotted and played Pakistan after terror attacks, depending on the mood of the day and the needs of diplomacy. In 1987, we skipped the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka because Tamils were being butchered. But we’ve also played Pakistan at World Cups while our soldiers stood guard on the LoC. Selective memory makes for bad arguments.

And this business of handshakes! Some TV anchors were more offended by the absence of a palm press than by the match itself. Whether players shake hands or touch their toes is their business. It doesn’t dishonour martyrs, nor does it sanctify them.

Then there’s the suggestion that cricketers should refuse to play, wave the flag of conscience, and become heroes of resistance. That’s romantic nonsense. Players are professionals bound by contracts. They can’t tell their board, “Sorry, I’m not in the mood to face Shaheen Afridi today.” If anyone must take a stand, it’s the government or the BCCI, not the fellow sweating in the slips.

True respect for martyrs lies in caring for their families, securing our borders, and destroying terror networks — not in cancelling a cricket match or applauding those who grandstand on TV.

We Indians love a tamasha. We also love outrage. But we forget that patriotism is not about keeping your blood pressure high. Sometimes it means being sensible.

So, let the boys play. Cheer them if they win, curse them if they drop a catch — and leave the martyrdom to soldiers who’ve already earned it.