India confirm that they have pulled out of next month's scheduled tour to Pakistan. Do you agree with this decision?
India's government will not allow their cricket side to tour Pakistan next month due to political tensions between the two nations.
India were due to play three Tests and three one-day internationals during a tour which would have raised much needed revenue for Pakistan's Cricket Board.
There has been no Test cricket between the sides since June 2000 and the two countries have been at loggerheads over disputed territory in Kashmir. But interest in games between the two countries is always extremely high as was shown when the two teams met at the World Cup.
Do you back India's decision or would you like to have seen them in Pakistan?
This debate is now closed. A selection of your e-mails appear below.
A war like situation on the border, and cricket between the two countries doesn't make sense. The Indian government is correct in showing its disapproval of the 'hate India' regime in Pakistan.
Nikhil, India
Dalmiya criticised England and New Zealand for not playing their matches in Zimbabwe and Kenya due to security reasons. I wonder what he has to say about the Indian team not touring Pakistan?
Yemjay, Australia
I say what a bunch of hypocrites. Both Pakistan and India had a lot to say about England not playing in Zimbabwe for political reasons and now they are doing the same.
Peter Cameron, South Africa
It is evident from the views posted here that generally all Indians feel that the government has made the right decision in not sending the Indian team for a Pakistan tour.
If the people and the government are of the same opinion, then it does not matter what others think (especially in light of some Pakistani people commenting that India should be banned or stripped of Test status just for refusing a tour in another country for security reasons).
Damayanti Datta, USA/India
It's easy to say that politics and sports should not be mixed but if you really get into the minds of Indians and Pakistanis, every cricket match is a proxy war. It goes beyond mere passion for this sport. It's all about settling scores.
People in England and Australia cannot fully comprehend the underlying current of hatred that exists in large segments of the population in both these countries. And the hatred is not mere political dispute; it is because of the killings (human beings killed everyday) in Kashmir.
And what about England? They boycotted their match with Zimbabwe for mere political reasons. If Zimbabwe is seen as a legitimate political issue over which a cricket match can be boycotted, then Kashmir is an issue worth enough to snap cricketing ties to send the message to the other side.
Vijay Iyer, USA/India
I think that England is a perfect place for cricket matches between India and Pakistan. The financial gains are obvious since there are many Indian and Pakistani supporters that live here.
Also, remember the 1999 World Cup? The most colourful and eccentric fans were those of India and Pakistan, giving cricket a carnival atmosphere and also acting as a great promoter of the sport.
Firaaz, UK
A very hasty and short-visioned decision.
Abdul Nasser, Kuwait
 I think the Indian government has no bottle! |
India are not doing this because of cricketing reasons, it's just down to stupid politics on the hand of the Indian government. Either that or India are too scared to face Pakistan in a tour.
Adil Khan, England
I do not agree with the decision to cancel the tour to Pakistan. It is yet another example of politicians interfering - international sport should act as the first step in the warming of relations between two nations.
Pakistan and India are two countries that share their enormous passion for cricket. As long as there is sufficient security for tours, they should be positively encouraged by the politicians.
Richard Clarke, Australia
Both teams should play as Pakistan has given India full security. The last time they played a Test series which was in India, Pakistan went, even though there were security concerns. I think the Indian government has no bottle! But what a contest it would be. Why can't they play in neutral venues?? Ask the Indian government.
Zaid, England
There have been arguments that "sports and Politics should be kept seperate" and "why only cricket". But cricket is such a high profile game and a great publicity tool. India is using it express its displeasure over Pakistani tactics.
Boycotting cricket with Pakistan is yet another peaceful means to express to the world; that India cannot put up with Pakistan's charade of friendliness while continuing to be hostile on the ground.
Vicky, USA
Just a little note to the gentleman who suggested that India should be banned from the ICC - It is people like you who will never let the Kashmir issue rest, and its is people like you who give Pakistan a bad name!
Annika, UK
It is time to set an example by imposing huge fines and banning India from international competitions |
I would definitely love to watch the likes of Sachin, Dravid, Herbajan and Kumble to entertain us all in Pakistan. It would be a great battle with the great Indian stars and the new Pakistani outfit. Please don't deprive us any longer. Come on India, have a heart!
Imran Yusuf, Karachi, Pakistan
India and Pakistan must stop their hostile attitude to each other and find a way to live in amity. Sporting contest can ease the path to better cooperation between the two nations.
Khwaja Mohiuddin, Australia
The ICC has been spineless in recent issues. It is time to set an example by imposing huge fines and banning India from international competitions until they are ready to play cricket again in Pakistan.
Would the administration if the ICC stay quiet if countries started to pull out of tours to the UK due to potential terrorist threats...I think not.
Nabeel Akram, UK
India should play in Pakistan, because this will improve relationships between the two hostile countries.
Umer Malik, NZ/Pakistan
If something should happen to the Indian team...who is responsible? And what is the use of taking any responsibility after the damage is done? I think the Indian government is doing the right thing and it is better to be safe than sorry!
Iyer, India
My opinion is that, it was a right decision. I observed almost all the games played between these two countries were based on hatred spirit. One can see from the previous skipper Imran Khan's face and then from Wasim Akram's. It becomes worse when these games are played in Sharjah. Both teams should meet either in England or another nation's soil.
Oliver Adams, United States
There are many nations who would love to host the game between Pakistan and India |
I don't think this decision is correct because political tensions have nothing to do with sports and if India can play other games like squash with Pakistan, then why not cricket.
Abdul Haseeb, Paksitan
It's a shame that politics has once again come between sports. Except for the politicians I assume no one else would want a cancellation.
Pakistan and India should play cricket which I am sure would be more popular than the Ashes. Isn't it a pity we won't be seeing another Tendulkar special. No doubt he has done it against others but its special against Pakistan like in the World Cup.
If for the time being both countries are unwilling to play in their back yards I am sure the other two Asian neighbours Sri Lanka / Bangladesh would be more than happy to host it.
Abdul Azeem, Saudi Arabia
Lots of people are saying that India has refused to play against Pakistan because of security reason...so why don't India's government allow Indian players to play in neutral ground against Pakistan...there are many nations who would love to host the game between Pakistan and India.
Adeel, Pakistan/ U.S.A
Cricket between Pakistan and India is fascinating. Both nations should not stop playing cricket with each other because of political tensions; otherwise a very important part of cricket would end.
Ahmed Dilawer, Canada
I support it though it hurts cricket. What I've observed is that the game is not bringing common people any close rather has become a means to show their hatred towards other.
Ajit, USA
I think England is the best place to play the series as the UK has great Indian and Pakistani support |
I think India have made the right decision not to play in Pakistan. The series should be played in a neutral venue. I think England is the best place to play the series as UK has great Indian and Pakistani support.
Alok, UK
I think that the Indian government is perfectly justified in cancelling this tour. In fact I believe the government should extend this to all sports.
Avinash Jayaraman, Singapore
Sports MUST be FREE from politics. It should be used to bridge the gaps. Let the people enjoy.
Ashfaque Ahmed, Canada
I think its good that Pakistan and India don't play each other for a while.
There is no need to escalate tensions between both countries as fanatic fans on both sides will burn effigies of their team players, if their team loses. I would prefer Pakistan play other teams like South Africa and Australia then India.
Abrahim Shameem, Pakistan
The game of cricket is a great removal of tension and political differences if handled sensitively and executed with honesty and in a true sporting spirit. It would have really started a positive journey with a very desirable destination. At this juncture it is not at all important who wins and who loses, cricket has the potential to bring these countries closer. Sad really that it didn't work out that way.
Salim Habib, Canada
Zimbabwe has agreed to tour England despite of what happened in the World Cup - now THAT is good sportsmanship. Come on India pull your socks up!
Ejaz, UK
Why just pick on India? There are other cricket playing nations that don't want to play in Pakistan. With such a good performance in the World Cup, India has no reasons to fear the Pakistani team.
The only problem is the security of the Indian players in Pakistan and it is a good enough reason not to play.
Jas, USA
It could have been a competitive and exciting cricket between these two talented sides and I'm sure cricket fans around the world would have enjoyed it. Too bad it is not meant to be because of a minority of extremists from both sides.
Asim Siddiqui, USA
It's a pity that sport suffers on account of religious/political tensions |
When no one in the world wants to play cricket in Pakistan including New Zealand, Australia, West Indies etc... How can anyone (ICC) possibly ask India to do the same?
Bhupathy, Erode, India
It makes sense - even though everyone says that politics and sport should not be mixed - it's easier said than done. No team would tour Pakistan at this time due to security concerns much less India!
We are more or less resigned to see India and Pakistan play each other only at neutral venues.
Sameer K. Misra, USA
It's a pity that sport suffers on account of religious/political tensions. Sport was & is always meant to entertain and thereby deflect the stress of other everyday issues.
Cricket offers an opportunity to the people & leaders of both India & Pakistan to reduce tensions and increase goodwill. Instead of eternally pointing fingers at each other, it is hoped that the people & leaders of both nations will be sporting and proceed to enjoy playing each other at cricket.
Troy Dyer, Canada
If countries like New Zealand, South Africa and England can cancel tours on security grounds, than it seems only reasonable for India not to send players to a country known for its security issues.
ICC must consider the fact that security for Indian players in Pakistan is a much more important issue than for other teams and if other teams can cancel their tours - so can India.
Apoorva, Canada
India should not play against Pakistan until the political situation is cleared |
India should play in Pakistan. Only then the people will also start liking each other. We Sri Lankans have no problems with these countries :)
Sabry Abuthahir, Sri Lanka
India should definitely play Pakistan, it is a wrong decision to bring in politics, if they play hockey together then why not cricket? And when they can play in the World Cup what's wrong in playing elsewhere?
Abbas, Canada
India should not play against Pakistan until the political situation is cleared. I think India and Pakistan should play against each other in the USA to promote cricket here.
Bala, USA
It is sad that the best rivalry in cricket history has to be delayed because of a few zealots. But then why should India risk their players when the PCB cannot guarantee the safety of the players? India is justified.
Casar Khan, USA
It is foolish to assume that cricket has nothing to do with politics |
There is no justification to use the political situation to not have sporting relations. Only more normalizing relations between the people can force both governments into making compromises over political problems.
India should play Pakistan, but for security reasons they should play in another country.
Suryanarayan Ganesh, India
I support India's stand, even though it hurts good cricket. If India tours Pakistan, they are sending wrong signal to the world.
Vishwanath, USA
It is foolish to assume that cricket has nothing to do with politics. Until the political situation is resolved or Kashmir tensions eased, cricket will suffer.
Zafar Daud, USA
I agree that India should not play in Pakistan due to the current international tensions between the two nations. For the two nations to play, it would require a neutral venue.
Deepak Ture, England
Cricket and politics cannot be mixed Rehan Yazdani, USA/Pakistan |
India's decision not to play in Pakistan is a wrong. India's relations with the Pakistan cricket team will suffer in the long-term. I think India should reconsider their decision.
Sadaqet Hussain, UK
The ICC should review India's Test status because the Indians are using politics as an excuse to not play their neighbours. The match should go ahead, the exciting and tense matches between the two teams brings out the best in all the players. Forget the Ashes, bring on Pakistan and India!!!
Shakeel Ahmad, England
India is wrong in cancelling its tour. Cricket and politics cannot be mixed. The poor fans of Indian and Pakistani cricket are the ones who are on the losing side. I don't understand why India pulls out of tours to Pakistan, when Pakistan is more than willing to tour India!
Rehan Yazdani, USA/Pakistan
Politics and Sports never make easy bed fellows. Look at the mess created at the recent World Cup as a result of England and New Zealand's refusal to play.
I think sports and politics should be firmly kept separate and the ICC should take stern action against those who seem to be intent on ruining the 10 year schedule.
Although India has the upper hand when it comes to the World Cup ties, Pakistan's record otherwise is far superior to India's when they have been head to head on other occasions. Dare I say that the fear of loosing is keeping the Indians away?
Rizwan, UK
It's a shame that India is not participating in next month's scheduled series |
I agree with the decision fully. The last time we played a full series there (in '89) oranges, etc, were thrown at the players, in a hockey match there in the 90's our flag was burnt. Added to that is the thousands killed every year in Kashmir.
If England and New Zealand (who haven't lost a single civilian to Zimbabwe and Kenya) can choose not to visit those countries, we have more right to do so.
BB, India
It makes total sense, since NZ, AUS, and England have cancelled their tours for the very same reason.
Ramana Mallela, US
Despite all the political tensions, it's a shame that India is not participating in next month's scheduled series. Pakistan fulfilled its commitment by sending its team to India in 2000 despite all the death threats.
Adnan, USA
Pakistan is not a safe place to play cricket. They must create an environment of safety and security before top players like Tendulkar, Dravid and Ganguly can go there and perform. These players are too precious for India.
Satnam Gill, Canada
India should be banned by the ICC Ali Nizamani, Malaysia / Pakistan |
It's an insane situation - the possibility of war, even nuclear exchange, makes cricket out of the question.
Harinder Jadwani, Canada/India
There was a slight chance of India playing cricket in Pakistan after India's successful World Cup matches. This favourable situation was blown up by Pakistan based terrorists who killed 24 Kashmiri people last week. India cannot be blamed for not playing.
George, India
The Pakistanis might claim that we have pulled out because we are scared of losing, but that claim doesn't hold much weight after we annihilated them in the World Cup game in Centurion.
Ravs, UK
The Indian Government's hard headedness is illogical, irresponsible and foolish. India should be banned by the ICC, they should be stripped of their Test status or at least some sort of financial compensation must be demanded.
Ali Nizamani, Malaysia / Pakistan
MMIX
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