Indian cricket team's exclusion of Pakistani players reflects structural nationalism in sports diplomacy
Original framing: “Gavaskar links Sunrisers signing of Pakistan’s Abrar to Indian deaths” — Al Jazeera
Historically, cricket has been a site of both division and unity in South Asia. The 1947 Partition created a sporting divide, but the 1980s saw a revival of Indo-Pak cricket exchanges. The current exclusion of Pakistani players reflects a broader shift in post-2000 Indian nationalism, which contrasts with earlier periods of sporting diplomacy.
The exclusion of Pakistani players from Indian cricket teams is not merely a sports issue but a reflection of deeper geopolitical and nationalist structures.
This exclusion is reinforced by state-backed sports institutions and media narratives that prioritize political messaging over sporting unity. However, historical precedents and cross-cultural models show that sports can be a powerful tool for peacebuilding. By integrating grassroots exchange programs, regional leagues, and media narratives that emphasize cooperation, India and Pakistan can begin to reframe cricket as a bridge rather than a barrier. This approach aligns with global best practices in sports diplomacy and offers a path toward more inclusive and sustainable sports policies.