At 3
pm today, India and Pakistan are
going to play the fourth ODI ICC Champions Trophy after a long gap. This bit of
news is enough to get any cricket lover around the world excited. With hours to
go before the match commences, a few of your favourite TV stars put forward
their views on people wanting to ban the match, given the recently strained
relations between India and Pakistan. Read on...
Dalljiet Kaur: I
am an avid cricket fan and am eagerly looking forward to the match. That being
said, I do relate to those people who want to ban the match. I will support our
nation's choice because safety and dignity for India comes before any form of
entertainment.
Shardul Pandit: Banning
the match or banning artists is quite foolish. Why do people want to ban the
only things that bring us together? Sports and arts should be left alone. I
wish I could watch the match, but I will have to do with updates and highlights
as I will be shooting.
Ssharad Malhotra: An
India vs Pakistan match is like the Clash of the Titans. It’s an epic battle in
the world of cricket with nail-biting moments, the tension, and the pressure
clearly visible not only among the players but also among spectators. For both
teams, it's like a war zone, but it’s all in good spirits. Whichever team is
victorious, it's no less than a grand celebration for that particular
team/nation.
Ramman Handa: I'm
super excited to watch India fighting against Pakistan on the cricket ground
and I'm eagerly waiting to watch the innings. It's an amazing feeling to watch
such a match happening where we have a slight hope of friendship between both
the countries. Matches shouldn't be banned because we Indians are raised with a
mentality of peace and love. So, how can we go against our upbringing and
culture? It should be us who should always follow the teachings of Gandhi ji
and give respect and love to those as well who doesn't think good for us; be it
Pakistan. I am proud to be an Indian.
Megha Gupta: Why
should we mix cricket and politics? That isn't fair because sports are beyond
boundaries, colour, race and gender. I am quite excited for this match and I
really want to watch it. Given a choice I would love to watch it if I get an
off from work.
Ankit Gera: I
will be going to London so I probably will be going for the match. I don't
see the reason why people should ban the match because it's getting two nations
together.
Jayashree
Venketeramanan: Though not been a big cricket fan, one thing I don't ever
miss is India- Pakistan match. It's always a wonder to watch the match cheering
up in front of the television and those nail-biting moments. So I don’t feel
that it should be banned.
Jyotsna Chandola: I
really cannot imagine a cricket match where Indians don't play against
Pakistan. Political issues are on one side and sports and arts on the other.
While there are people trying to create a rift between the two nations, one
should be supporting such endeavours so that it brings them closer.
Manish
Wadhwa: First thing is that why has there been a gap? There shouldn't have
been a gap as there is a lot of excitement. Everyone I know is shooting and
trying to get an off, and will be watching the match live on any gadget
available. I don't think these matches should be banned because it is just a
game and not war. We should take it in the right spirit and enjoy watching it.
Divayajyotee
Sharma: While I am not a keen cricket fan, when it comes to an India-Pak
match, I get super excited. In fact, I feel wars and tensions should stop and
let such matches decide the outcome of our relationship as two countries.
Hasan
Zaidi: I am going to watch the match as it is the most exciting game in
recent times. I have been a cricketer all my life. I have been the captain of
my school team, my college team. We are a family of cricketers. India-Pakistan
match is always exciting and it's always a brilliant feeling when India wins.
As an actor I feel responsible, there should be an increased cultural exchange
as that can remove the tension between two countries. The aam junta of
both countries want peace not war.
Shweta Basu
Prasad: I don't think there should be any difference when it comes to arts
and sports because I am sure a lot of Pakistani audiences love Indian actors
and cricketers and almost worship them. Similarly, a number of Indian
audiences, including me, are a big fan of shows like Coke Studio Pakistan. We
also admire certain Pakistani players and artists like Ghulam Ali. Arts and
sports should not be banned.
Shashank Vyas: I am travelling to Pune today and would be
playing cricket rather than watching. I know it's a big match because relations
between the two countries have always been strained. I used to watch cricket
until my college days. However, now, for me, it’s a regular match if Sachin is
not playing.
Gunjan
Utreja: I have never understood the whole concept of India - Pak match.
It's just another cricket match. A form of two teams makes a match interesting
not their countries. As far as banning the match is concerned; it's nothing but
hypocrisy from our political parties. They can have bilateral trade with
Pakistan but anything which promotes peace and friendship they want to ban the
same. I am taking a road trip with my family today. So, most likely, I
will not watch the match.
Karan Singh Chhabra: I am very excited to see the match. I am not a
cricket buff but I can never miss an India-Pakistan battle. I have no idea why
should a sport and a match like this be banned. Let's treat sport in sportsman
spirit and enjoy the game.