Essays

"After 15 long years and much hobbling Indian Cricket team   I embarked on the historic tour to Pakistan in March 2004. A lot of hitch prevailed upon the decision offending Indian Cricket team to   ' Pakistan/or security and safety reasons, but thanks to prudency and statesmanship of Mr. Vajpayee that Indian Cricket team could visit Pakistan and not only won the cricket matches but also the soul and heart of the Pakistani people"

After partition, it was the First time when thousands of Indian poured i| Pakistan by road. rail and by air to watch the India-Pak ODI and Test Series.

Kudos to the people of Pakistan who welcomed every Indian with affability and geniality that had no parallel since partition. Even the long history of cricket matches between the two countries never find such a praise and admiration which made everyone believe as if two brothers are playing and vying to win with any animosity towards each other. The cricket match between India and Pakistan which had earlier been played Like a war and with an hysteria over victory and defense The spirit of sportsmanship was always lacking when India and Pakistan were far to face in cricket ground. The win or defeat was always witnessed as gain or loss pride of the country, such was an attitude of the players, of the people of both if countries, but this tour of Indian Cricket team has altogether changed the scenario., the Gaddaffi Stadium, the Indians and Pakistanis sat together, enjoyed to gulf cheered together and jointly carried the flags of the two countries stitched together Many young Pakistani girls wore the flag colours of the both the countries on the faces. A six or four by an Indian player earned the same applause as by a Pakistan player. Fifty or Century by a player of any country was given same clippings is thumping. The team mates of Indian side were seemed earlier worried for their safe and security, enjoyed the cricket and hospitality in such a manner that was nev imagined in their dreams on the soil of Pakistan.

Before embarking on its historic tour of Pakistan, Sourav Gauguly and his team called on the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee in New Delhi on March 1 2004. The Prime Minister blessed the team: "Khel hi nalii, dil bhi Jeetiye—Sh kamnayen." (Win not only the game but hearts too—best wishes). The Prime Minister's exhortation came in the form of an inscription on a cricket bat. The India cricket team also presented the Prime Minister a bat, autographed by the entire teal On the same day Mr. Imran Khan. the Ex. Captain of Pakistani team, said that! wished that this tour of Indian team would help in healing the bitter divide between two neighbors. A Feel Good Factor seemed working in both the countries.

After Indian team won the first one day test, an excited Mr. Vajpayee said. "When 11 players play together victory is certain. There is no reason for victory to elude us when 100 crore people take a pledge".

Laurels to Pakistani President Gen. Pervej Musharrafwho hosted a reception for the Indian team in his Presidential Mansion in Islambad on March 17,2004. The President astonished the Indian players by recalling some of their best performances he had seen in the past. He was all praise for Tendulkar's batting skills and Balaji's blitzkrieg against the fast bowler Shoab Akhtar in the match the previous day. The President hosted the reception at the Banquet Hall, usually reserved for visiting Heads of Government. The magnanimous attitude of the President indeed cleaned bold every player and won their humours and good wishes for the peace and tranquility in the subcontinents. a

Undoubtedly this tour of Indian team to Pakistan would positively help the two countries forge their friendly ties and brought people of the two countries together. It was observed and felt by every Indian visited Pakistan that the culture, language, traditions of both the countries are too identical to make a difference. A sikh from Punjab put things in the characteristic humor of Sardars, How does one figure out who is an Indian and who is a Pakistani? Same look, same language, same food, same dishes, same dressing pattern, same traditions, when almost all things are same, why the blood of Innocent peoples are being shed for the communal and political needs of the few.

 India and Pakistan had played 86 one day Internationals and 47 Test Matches prior to this tour, every match was like war being fought for the honour of the nations, but this tour of Indian cricket team to Pakistan opened new vistas of friendship, fraternity if not between the rulers but between the people of both the nations. A new light emerging in Indo-Pak relations in the wake of present friendly tour, said well known Pakistani supporter popularly known as Chacha.

One Pakistani fan said, "We are going to prove to Indians that not a(l of us are AI Queda or Jehadis. Moreover the generation has changed, my generation didn't witnessed the barbarity of partition and savage of Indo-Pak War. It is an educated peace loving, career oriented generation who wants love for love affection for affection."

 Almost all the Indian visitors confessed that they would treasure the experience of a life time—the love and hospitality shown by the common people of Pakistan. This is the need of hour that the leaders of both the countries particularly the leaders of Pakistan must understand and realise that for the betterment and prosperity of the nation for the well beings of the people, they must keep aside the matters of dispute and go together to harness the booty of globalization with sincere efforts and open heart. The cricket has paved the path, the leaders are to move forward in the direction of peace, progress and prosperity.

Vocabulary

1. hobbling—hamper the action or progress of. 2. embarked—proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers. 3. prudence—careful and sensible; marked by sound judgement. 4. kudos—an expression of approval and commendation. 5. vying— competition. 6. altogether—with everything included or counted. 7- applause—a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together. 8. hospitality'—kindness In welcoming guests or stranger. 9. clapping—a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together. 10. thumping—not clear and resonant; sounding as if striking with or against something relatively soft. 11. hospitality—kindness in welcoming guests or strangers. 12. healing—heat or recover. 13. hosted—be the host of or for. 14. innocent— free from evil or guilt. 15. barbarity—a brutal barbarous savage act. 16. confessed— confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure. 17. prosperity-— an economic state of growth with rising profits and full employment.