Essay, Paragraph, Speech on “Cricket Created Fraternity” Complete Paragraph, Speech for Classes 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Cricket Created Fraternity

“Game is a game ; one must play it is the spirit of game. -Anonymous After partition, it was the first time when thousands of Indian poured into Pakistan by road, rail and by air to watch the India-Pak ODI and test series. Kudos to the people of Pakistan who greeted every Indian with such affability and geniality that had no parallel since partition. Even the long history of cricket matches between the two countries never finds such a praise and admiration which made everyone believe as if two brothers are playing and vying to win without 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 defeat. The spirit of sportsmanship was always lacking when Indian and Pakistan were face to face in cricket ground. The win or defeat was always witnessed as gain or loss of pride of the country; such was an attitude of the players, of the people of both the countries, but this tour of India cricket team has altogether altered the scenario. At the Gaddaffi Stadium, the Indians and Pakistanis sat together, enjoyed together, cheered together and jointly carried the flags of the two countries stitched together. Many young Pakistani girls wore the flag colours of both the countries on their 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 clappings and thumping. The team mates of Indian side were seemed earlier worried for their safety and security, enjoyed the cricket and hospitality in such a manner that was never imagined in their dreams on the soil of Pakistan.

Before embarking on its historic tour of Pakistan, Sourav Ganguly and his team called on the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee in New Delhi on March 10, 2004. The Prime Minister blessed the team :

“Kehl hi nahi, dil bhi jeetiye shub 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 Indian cricket team also presented the Prime Minister a bat, autographed by the entire team. On the same day Mr. Imran Khan, the Ex. Captain of Pakistani team, said that he wished that this tour of Indian team would help in healing the bitter divide between the two neighbours. A feel good factor appeared working in both the countries.

Laurels to Pakistani President Gen. Pervej Musharraf who hosted a reception for the Indian team in his Presidential Mansion in Islamabad 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 Shoiab 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 homours and good wishes for the peace and tranquility in the subcontinents. 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 realized 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 characteristics humour of Sardars, how does no 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 international and 47 test matches prior to this tour, every match was as in 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 nations.

Almost all the Indians 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 tl* leaders of both the countries particularly the leaders of Pakistan must look upon and feel 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 attempts and open heart. The cricket has paved the path, the leaders are to move forward in the direction of peace, progress and prosperity.