Kolkata: Despite the political turmoil in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), Indian cricket has successfully brought close the residents of J&K and united them under Team India. Even after allegations of repeated atrocities in the state, Kashmir and its people showed equal love and interest for Virat Kohli’s team, as they chose to bleed blue on Thursday, January 26. If not by a mile, cricket has definitely made most Kashmiris, Indians.
Although, India suffered a humiliating defeat in the first T20 international against England at the Green Park in Kanpur on the Republic Day, cricket fans saw two Kashmiri players – a Muslim and a Kashmiri Pandit bowling together in the same match and this has created history. They are Parvez Rasool and Suresh Raina.
Though Raina was born in Muradnagar, Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh), his forefathers belong to a Pandit family in J&K. Rasool was born in Bijbehara (J&K). We saw how cricket as a sport has earned Kashmiris’ affection. This was definitely an important occasion in the history of Indian sports. Yes, sport can bring people together under the same roof.
The playing eleven on January 26 in Kanpur, included two players of Kashmiri origin. It not only ensures harmony amid diversity within the cricket team, but it also signifies the passion Kashmiris have for their home players and Team India. Cricket is a religion in India and January 26, 2017 will always be remembered as a day when J&K was a formidable force in Indian cricket. Raina scored 34 and Rasool, who debuted in T20 Internationals was also effective as a bowler though for a lost cause.
So, amid the turbulences in the valley and the instigation of our neighbours (Pakistan) in fomenting violence and disturbances in the region, Rasool and Raina stand as true examples of Kashmiri Indians. Forget the UN recommended plebiscite after independence, two Kashmiris donning the India colours mean a lot for India. The likes of Syed Ali Shah Geelani of the Hurriayat Conference must be wondering what step should be taken to ‘champion the cause of Kashmiris’ and highlight Indian atrocities on the people of the state. To him, the message is hard and clear, “Neither Rasool nor Raina has any fondness for the tactics he resorts to just to stay in the news. For both of them, it’s the Tri-colour that matters.”
And on the Republic Day, the true flavour of a united India was felt once again in Kanpur. Yes, J&K is an integral part of India and let there be no doubt on it. Jai Hind!