Sensitive, logical decision
We always look to sport to divert our minds from the negatives that society heaps on us. We forget soaring prices, sinking Sensex, global meltdown, senseless violence, corruption and other evils when we watch keen sporting contests and bask in the reflected glory of the eternal pursuit of excellence that unfolds before our eyes.
Yet, sometimes, just sometimes, life forces us to look at sport in perspective. And makes us realise that the gift of life is something to be cherished.
Late on Wednesday night, just as we were basking in the warmth of another fine Indian victory over England at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, a bunch of terrorists chose to deliver a reality check on Mumbai, India and the world by striking at multiple points in India’s financial capital.
It did not take long for images from Virender Sehwag’e explosive innings and support acts by Sachin Tendulkar, Suresh Raina and Mahender Singh Dhoni to be erased from our immediate mindspace by others. Terrorists firing randomly at innocent, defenceless civilian targets. Valiant policemen laying down lives.
Death danced a macabre dance in Mumbai and caused fear to spread everywhere else in India. Of course, before long, we saw bravery come to the fore and, thanks to modern technology, we heard some of those stuck in the five-star hotels speak of how they spent a night in darkness but without losing hope.
Under the circumstances, it would have been most insensitive to continue England’s tour of India - or stage the Champions League, either, It is only wise to wait for the situation in Mumbai to come under control for the cricket to resume with the two Tests featuring England in Ahmedabad and Mumbai itself.
It is not as if terrorists would target cricketers or other sportspersons. Few have any way of knowing when and where the next strike would be. But it would be quite tough for any sportsperson to think of performing at close to his peak levels. Cricket tours have been suspended before for events beyond the cricket field.
Visiting teams have left Pakistan and Sri Lanka after bomb blasts near the team hotel and it should not surprise or shock us that England wanted a break now. I remember the Indian team was touring Pakistan when Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984 and the Board of Control for Cricket in India decided, on Government advice, to recall the team.
The England team of 1984 spent close to 10 days in Colombo before resuming its tour of India in the wake of the British High Commissioner’s murder nine days after Indira Gandhi’s assassination. The itinerary was rejigged and David Gower’s team returned to win the five-Test series 2-1.
Nearly a quarter century later, I reckon we will find a similar situation - except that the England team may actually fly back home before returning to complete the rest of the tour. It is the sanest, most logical thing to rather than just get emotional and blame the English for not wanting to stay in India when it is being attacked remorselessly.
My heart reaches out to those whose lives have been affected by the terror attack on Mumbai. I am sure those blessed with the gift of life will soon pick up the threads and get on with living life as it is meant to be. Yes, it is the done thing for cricket to take the back seat until civil society resumes breathing normally.
It will not be long before we get back to watching keen sporting contests and basking in the reflected glory of the beautiful pursuit of excellence that unfolds before us. Of course, competitive sport will engage our collective consciousness so much that it will surely divert our minds from the negatives heaped on us. One more time.