A Dive into India's Cricket Diplomacy

A Dive into India's Cricket Diplomacy

Dr. Asif Nawaz 

draasifnawaz@gmail.com

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 reached its grand conclusion with a decisive final match between India and Australia on November 19, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The final, somewhat one-sided, saw Australia clinching an easy victory with six wickets in just 43 overs, securing their record-extending sixth World Cup win since the tournament's inception in 1975.

Despite the loss in the final, India showcased a commendable performance throughout the tournament, finishing at the top of the points table. The tournament was brimming with thrilling matches and memorable performances, creating a delightful experience for cricket fans worldwide.

This mega cricket event not only highlighted India's cricketing prowess on the field but also demonstrated the nation's adeptness in organizing a global sporting extravaganza. The success of India's event organization was evident in meticulous planning, state-of-the-art facilities, and the enthusiastic participation of fans. This underscored India's position as a cricketing powerhouse with the infrastructure and capability to execute large-scale sporting events seamlessly.

In India, cricket which is celebrated as a “religion” has long been utilized as a diplomatic tool, and hosting such a significant global event provided the country with valuable opportunities to strengthen international ties. The tournament, with its amalgamation of sporting excellence and cultural exchange, significantly contributed to India's soft power diplomacy, fostering a positive and influential global perception of the nation.

Cricket as a Diplomatic Chessboard

Cricket, often celebrated as a gentleman's game, has transcended its role as a sport to become a linchpin in India's diplomatic toolkit since the 1980s. Going beyond the boundaries of mere competition in sport, cricket diplomacy has evolved into a nuanced and multifaceted tool employed by India to navigate the intricate terrain of international relations. The game of Cricket which is being celebrated as a “religion” in India, has been strategically used to ease political tensions, punish nations for undesirable behavior, and advance India's soft power on the global stage. This article seeks to unravel the intricate layers of India's cricket diplomacy, examining historical precedents, the delicate dance with Pakistan, the role in global rehabilitation with South Africa, the deployment of cricket as soft power, and the challenges and triumphs associated with India's cricketing dominance.

Historical Significance: Setting the Stage for Cricket Diplomacy

The watershed moment for cricket diplomacy occurred in 1987 when President Zia ul-Haq of Pakistan visited India to witness a test match between the two nations. This move, set against the backdrop of heightened tensions and a major Indian military exercise under then Prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, showcased the power of cricket as a neutral ground to de-escalate political animosity, utilizing the strategic move of cricket field to ease distrust.

In the year 1987, Pakistan's President, General Zia-ul-Haq meets Indian Cricket Team in Jaipur.

This event marked the mainstream acceptance of "cricket diplomacy." However, this was not the genesis of India’s utilization of cricket as a diplomatic instrument. In 1978, a significant thaw in India-Pakistan relations occurred when an Indian cricket team toured Pakistan after a 17-year prolonged hiatus in bilateral cricket between the two nations, laying the foundation for subsequent diplomatic engagements through cricket.

Cricket Diplomacy with Pakistan: A Tale of Peace and Punishment

India's use of cricket as a diplomatic tool with Pakistan is akin to wielding a double-edged sword. On one side, it has been instrumental playing a pivotal role in fostering public goodwill and facilitating people-to-people connections. Notable instances include the 1999 tour of Pakistan by an Indian team, occurring in the aftermath of nuclear tests by both nations, exemplified the potential for cricket to unify two nations even during times of heightened political tension. As then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Pakistan for the Lahore Summit, a Pakistani team toured India, fostering a sense of unity and peace among the public.

In February 1999, Wasim Akram, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, introduced his team members to the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (center) ahead of a Test match between the arch-rivals. During this time, a surge in diplomatic engagements between Vajpayee and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif fueled optimism for a potential thaw in relations between the two nations. However, just a couple of months later, the Kargil war erupted, altering the course of events.

Conversely, cricket has also served as a means of punitive action. Following the wars of 1965 and 1971, bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan came to a standstill, with the game becoming a medium to express displeasure and penalize the other side for perceived transgressions. The cessation of cricket during the 1990s due to Pakistan's support for insurgency in Kashmir and post the Kargil war and the 26/11 attacks illustrates this punitive aspect of cricket diplomacy. Moreover, the exclusion of Pakistani players from the India’s lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) and the recent visa troubles faced by Pakistani fans during the 2023 World Cup underscore India's strategic use of cricket as both a diplomatic outreach and a tool for punishment. 

Cricket Diplomacy with South Africa: Apartheid's Demise, Bridging Divides and Diplomatic Normalization

The canvas of cricket diplomacy extends beyond the Indian subcontinent, as India employed this sort of diplomacy to address global issues. A striking example is India's role in rehabilitating South Africa in the 1990s, as the apartheid regime crumbled. The international isolation faced by South Africa in various sports was mitigated through cricket. India hosted South Africa for an international series in 1991, symbolizing the end of decades of boycott and contributing to broader diplomatic normalization and bringing the Proteas back into the mainstream.

On November 10, 1991, South Africa celebrated a historic sporting milestone as they reentered international cricket after a hiatus of 21 years. Clive Rice, the captain of the South African team, led his side back into international competition during the first ODI against India in Calcutta on that significant day.

This instance underscores cricket's ability as a diplomatic tool to transcend political divides and act as a catalyst for international cooperation and broader diplomatic normalization. In the case of South Africa, it played a pivotal role in bringing the nation back into the global fold, showcasing the potential of sports diplomacy, particularly cricket, to bridge historical gaps and foster diplomatic ties. 

Cricket as Soft Power: Shaping Global Influence

Cricket has emerged as a potent soft power tool for India, extending its influence far beyond conventional diplomatic channels. In the case of Afghanistan, alongside all the developmental efforts and contributions to countering the Taliban, India strategically utilized cricket to connect with the Afghan people. Indian players coached the Afghan cricket team, and India provided "home" stadiums, allowing Afghanistan to host their matches on Indian soil in a secure environment amidst conflict in Afghanistan.

The success of the Afghan cricket team in international competitions, including their recent victories against traditional Cricket powerhouses like Pakistan and England in the 2023 ICC World Cup, serves as a testament to India's adept use of cricket as a soft power asset. Cricket's cultural resonance in neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, coupled with India's efforts to promote the sport in the Maldives, exemplifies how cricket diplomacy contributes to building cultural links and enhancing India's regional influence.

Ajay Jadeja, acting as a mentor, provided guidance to Afghanistan in preparation for their World Cup clash against India.

Global Image and Dominance: The Rise of BCCI as Cricket Superpower

Cricket's immense popularity in India and the financial success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have catapulted India into the realm of cricketing superpowers and elevated the nation's global image. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stands as the richest national cricket board globally, wielding considerable influence not only on the field but also holding sway in the regulatory realm of the game. 

The dominance of Indian cricket has created a paradox—while enhancing India's global image, it has also invited increased scrutiny and criticism of the BCCI. Critics often point to the growing politicization and nepotism within the organization, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the sport spirit of the gentlemen’s game. Balancing the positive aspects of India's cricketing success with addressing concerns about governance calls for more transparency and accountability within BCCI and it will be undoubtedly crucial for maintaining the sport's role as a diplomatic asset.

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Dynamics of Cricket Diplomacy

In the complex landscape of international relations, cricket diplomacy remains a dynamic and indispensable tool in India's strategic arsenal. From defusing political tensions and fostering peace to expressing disapproval and projecting soft power, cricket's versatility continues to shape India's diplomatic manoeuvres. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, so too will the role of cricket diplomacy, reflecting India's changing priorities and aspirations on the global stage.

The careful calibration of using cricket as both a bridge for peace and a tool for reprimand exemplifies India's nuanced approach to international relations. The challenges associated with cricket diplomacy, from managing the intricacies of India-Pakistan relations to addressing governance issues within the BCCI, will be crucial aspects to navigate in the years ahead. In a world where sports and diplomacy intersect, cricket stands tall as a symbol of India's strategic acumen and diplomatic finesse.