India-Pakistan Cricket Rivalry: Asymmetry and Polarization

Encounters between India and Pakistan have always had high political significance, resulting in tedious games and boring draws. In a recent World Cup match in Ahmedabad, India trounced Pakistan, showing the asymmetry in their cricket relationship. The Indian crowd was confident and unfriendly towards Pakistan. The Indian government refused Pakistani fans to visit, which was a big change. Many Indian fans knew nothing about Pakistan but still expressed hatred. This departure from past policies and lack of understanding is a sad and depressing development. The dominance of India's politicians raises concerns about the future of the game.