Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Nov 26: Former Indian cricket team captain, Mahinder Singh Dhoni, today said that it should be left to the Government to decide about Indo-Pakistan cricket series as it is a big decision.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a cricket tournament final organized by Army in Tangmarg area of Baramulla district, Dhoni said that India-Pakistan cricket matches are not just a sport but something bigger. “Cricket is a sport, it is general opinion. But when it comes to India and Pakistan cricket it is not just a sport. It is bigger than sport”, he said.
The cricketer said that playing series against Pakistan is a big political and diplomatic decision. “It is not a simple decision. It is a diplomatic decision and political decision as well”, he said.
Dhoni said that sports can’t be kept away from politics as Indian cricket team generates huge amount of money which ultimately flows into economy. “It is being said that sports should be kept away from politics but when it comes to Indian cricket team wherever it plays, be it bilateral series or big tournament, it is not cricket only because where ever we go for playing we generate a lot of money and ultimately that money flows into economy. To say that it is pure cricket would be wrong as it is more than cricket. It has greater impact on economy and it is a big decision”, he said.
The former captain said that if Government takes a decision about Indo-Pak cricket series, the players will go and play. “…and I think it should be left to Government and if they decide we will go and play. And if they don’t decide, we will go and play some other series”, he said.
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Dhoni thanked his fans for their love. “I was watching cricket here and it reminds me of good old days when I was also playing on mats. Jammu and Kashmir is beautiful part of the country. It is good to interact with the locals here. I would like to come here with family. I would like to thank my fans who came here. And I would like to tell them that I would come up to their expectations.”
Dhoni, who was chief guest on the occasion of the Army sponsored cricket tournament at Kunzer, interacted with the local cricketers who were elated. He also distributed prizes among the cricketers on the occasion.
A statement issued by the Defence Ministry spokesman, Colonel Rajesh Kalia said: “A scintillating cricket match between teams of North and South Kashmir held at Kunzer Cricket Ground on Sunday left an indelible mark in the cricketing history of the Valley. Presence of Cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the chief guest was a major attraction. The match also marked the culmination of a busy cricketing season in the Valley, wherein CCPL Championship matches were conducted over the last six months at various locations of the Valley.”
Colonel Kalia said that the championship was aimed at providing cricket lovers a platform to showcase their talent. “The multi-layered championship drew tremendous response with 110 teams participating in it”, he said.
The spokesman said: “32 young cricketers selected from all parts of Kashmir after exhaustive trials comprised the two teams. The friendly contest was played with full vigour and sportsmanship spirit. South Kashmir team won the match by 47 runs. The occasion was also graced by Brigader VS Yadav, Deputy GOC, Kilo Force. Dhoni gave away the prizes. Mementos were given to all players, Umpires and the organising staff”.
The spokesman said that the event is yet another step in nurturing the nascent talent of the youth from Kashmir valley by the Indian Army. “For many, the sight and pleasure of meeting MS Dhoni in person exhilarated them. All the teams that participated in run up to today’s event were presented with a bat autographed by Dhoni”, he added.
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