The incorrigible never learn

SUDIPTA CHANDA

SILIGURI,: Gotcha!

The girls in blue did it, the under-19 lads did it and now the men did it – yet again.

The trilogy is complete in one cricketing season.

Probably the boycott would have been less embarrassing.

Dragging politics in sports is damaging. But, the dangerous politics Pakistan played from the moment the gong for the T20 World Cup went off; scorn must be heaped on it.

First showing false support, Pakistan instigated Bangladesh against India.

It did not work as Bangladesh saw through the ruse and bowed out of the competition without commotion.

Next Pakistan threw a tantrum threatening to boycott the India match on February 15.

That did not work either as the ICC cracked the financial whip and Pakistan fell in line without further ado.

Then came hollow rhetoric from its players, which was steamrolled at the Premadasa on February 15 evening.

No wonder even Baluchistan, which is part of Pakistan, erupted in song and dance over India’s resounding victory on February 15.

And, if one takes a look at what former cricketing stalwarts and the cricket lovers of Pakistan are saying about the incidents to the run-up of the match, the Pakistan Cricket Board officials and the rulers of the country might hang their heads in shame.

But, that would be expecting a bit too much from a bunch of louts, which by default is running the country and its institutions.

What to expect from a country that cannot respect its most famous national, incarcerates him in horrendous conditions and lets him rot away without medical attention to his failing vision?

Yes, we are referring to Imran Khan here - the most famous Pakistani national alive.

And, not just for his contribution in making Pakistan World champions, but also for taking the initiative to set up a cancer treatment hospital.

That shows his positive intent. Yet, he is rotting away in jail, losing eyesight because of denied treatment. Unthinkable!

Reminds one of how Aurangzeb overthrew his father Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and held him at Agra Fort in solitary confinement where the once powerful emperor turned blind for want of treatment.

See how such cruelty run in the genes of some.

Sports should be kept aloof from politics for sure, but whenever India beats Pakistan, a different kind of satisfaction spreads throughout the country.

And, the Pakistani establishment has only itself to blame for it.

It mixes politics and sports whenever it suits it and then beats a hasty retreat whenever it faces resistance.

Sports for Pakistan has always come second. It is the trickery and unscrupulousness that interests Pakistan most – whether against others or against its own.

Anyway, leaving the incorrigible to lick its wounds looking forward is what India should now do.

Given the equations of the T20 World Cup, facing Pakistan again in the tournament cannot be written off completely.

Keeping the powder dry for another round of hellfire will be wise.