Former England captain Michael Atherton has said that the situation that occurred during the Asia Cup has once again highlighted the fact that Pakistan-India cricket matches are causing more tension and controversy than the game itself. According to him, it is time for the ICC to seriously consider this issue and review the holding of matches between the two teams in its events.
Atherton said in his statement that the main reasons for including Pakistan-India matches in ICC tournaments were economic and diplomatic in nature, but now these competitions have taken on a political and commercial color instead of the spirit of the game.
He said, “These matches are now played more under political impression and commercial pressure than the spirit of the game, which is against the basic principles of cricket.”
The former England captain revealed that the value of current broadcasting deals includes almost $3 billion thanks to the Pakistan-India matches alone, which is clear evidence that commercial interests in the field of cricket have started to influence the spirit of the game.
Atherton said that in the past, cricket was considered a positive tool for diplomacy, but now these competitions are causing tension between the two countries. According to him, the draws and scheduling of future ICC events should be transparent, so that even if Pakistan and India do not face each other, it is considered a natural and impartial decision.
He stressed that it is necessary to keep cricket free from politics and diplomacy, so that the game can send a message of peace, tolerance and mutual respect in accordance with its true spirit.
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