Former Test batsman Sanjay Manjrekar tells Mobile ESPN that India’s decision on its cricket calendar is politically correct!

By Abhishek Dinman

They all say politics must not mix with sports, but it comes to India and Pakistan, the political tension between the two nations run so deep that even the wisest of sportspersons seem divided.

Within 24 hours of Wasim Akram slamming the Board of Control for Cricket in India for not scheduling to play Pakistan in the proposed Future Tours Programme (2012-2020), former Indian Test batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has hit back, saying India have taken the right decisions.

The horrible memories of 26/11 must be fresh in Manjrekar’s mind. So even if his reactions are pickled by memories of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists gunning down innocent people in downtown Mumbai, it is understandable.

“I can see a lot of sense and I can understand BCCI’s thinking. One must understand that if India have not given Pakistan too much time in their FTP, it is purely because of the situation that we have in Pakistan and the kind of problems we have had in recent times,” Manjrekar told Mobile ESPN in an exclusive chat on Monday from his Mumbai residence.

Akram: India have been insensitive

“Under such unfortunate circumstances, cricket should take a back seat to politics and general security of the country. Thinking from those lines, I think the Indian Board’s decision to exclude Pakistan from its roster makes a lot of sense. You know time is a great healer and let us hope the relationship improves between the two countries,” the genial cricketer-turned-TV commentator said.

Manjrekar goes on to say: “Let me also say this. Just because Pakistan are the world Twenty20 champions does not mean everything is fine in their country. It does not mean teams will suddenly start touring Pakistan. I don’t see the connection. Pakistan won the title because they played well, not because of great improvement in their domestic (political) situation.”

In a more reflective mood, Manjrekar felt the situation is not ideal, but that’s life for you. He said, “It’s unfortunate but it is a hard fact of life that situation in Pakistan is not conducive to international cricket.

“Especially for a team like India, there is far too much pressure of internal security. The forces to guard the players can be put to better use. We must always remember, cricket and sports in general should be second priority to national security. From that point of view, I see nothing wrong with India excluding Pakistan from their plans.”