Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan strongly supported India’s refusal to make the tour to Pakistan, saying that cricket can never take precedence over a nation’s decision regarding national security. Dhawan was forthright about the issue when asked if he thought India should play in Pakistan. “No, I don’t think so. Cricket shouldn’t come before our country’s stand. Until terrorism ends, there should be no cricket in Pakistan,” Dhawan said in his exclusive remarks to ANI.
While political and administrative tensions have for long overshadowed bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan, Dhawan, who was crowned ‘Player of the Tournament’ during the 2013 Champions Trophy, stated that such decisions are beyond the control of players, as they are within the parameters set by the highest level of governance.
“First, the governments need to be on the same page. Then it comes down to the cricket boards, and finally to the players. Players don’t have much say in these matters. If our country has taken a stand that we will not play in Pakistan, then we stand by it,” he said.
Pakistan has frequently expressed the view that the increasing influence of the BCCI in world cricket is the reason India can dominate many of the ICC decisions, as a strong financial entity, at the expense of the latter. Thus, Dhawan has never given a second thought to such complaints.
“No worries, let it be,” he shrugged off concerns.
Yet cleared the air after the long-standing decision was taken, India has also officially declined to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and will instead play their matches at neutral venues-the UAE. Thus, this joins India in its nearly long-standing policy of not conducting bilateral cricket with Pakistan outside ICC tournaments.
Dhawan’s words also added to the majority sentiment in Indian cricket: national interest should always come over sporting engagements.
Dhawan did represent India in all formats, though ODIs were his forte. The southpaw smashed 6,793 runs in 167 ODIs at an average of 44.1, including 17 tons and 39 fifties in true swashbuckler style.
With Murali Vijay, he mixed it up in memorable partnerships in the longest format. During 34 Test matches, he scored 2,315 runs at 40.6. In his Test career, he made seven centuries and five half-centuries. Dhawan represented India in 68 T20Is and scored 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9 with 11 half-centuries to his name.
In addition to this, Dhawan had played 122 matches in First-Class cricket, scoring an impressive 8,499 runs at an average of 44.26, with 25 centuries and 29 fifties to his credit. In List A cricket, he played 302 matches, scoring a whopping 12,074 runs at an average of 43.90. His incredible achievements are further gilded with 30 centuries and 67 half-centuries.
