Can Pakistan Be Banned For Terrorism Like South Africa Was Banned For Apartheid?

South Africa’s cricket team faced a ban from International Cricket due to the cruel practice of the Apartheid. Similar to South African Apartheid, should Pakistan Cricket team also be banned for terrorism as India has started to demand?

Apartheid in South Africa

The practice of Apartheid which came into existence in the 19th century witnessed all sorts of separation from the development of the races. The Apartheid saw the so-called superior white race encouraged other races to fight for equality and also maintained distance from the so-called inferior races. The hidden motive of the practice of segregation was to create an internal struggle for discrimination on the basis of skin colour.

During the phase of Apartheid, the whites living in South Africa were not aware of the blacks plight. Although not everyone was unaware of their plight as there was a significant rise in policy and protest that changed the whole scenario. The apartheid is also considered as an experiment in South Africa that failed to conquer people’s protest to bring change in the society. Still, there are those who are consumed in racial superiority and rights. This is the biggest example of a rigid mindset that completely fails to accept changes and promote differences among people.

ICC Suspends South African Cricket Team

ICC voted to suspend South Africa from International Cricket in 1970. This restricted the South African team to play against white nations like England, Australia, and New Zealand. The decision also affected the key players in the South African team like Barry Richards.

There were certain players who even started playing for the white teams to sustain the ban. Finally, they were allowed to play in 1991. The South African team received a grand welcome at the first match played at Eden Garden in India.

Can Pakistan be Banned for Terrorism?

A similar rigidity exists even today. After the deadly Pulwama terror attack, the Indian side is upset and filled with anger against its neighbouring country. Indians who are living in different parts of the country and world have started the protest against Pakistan. Even the game of cricket which is regarded as the symbol of peace between the two countries is not spared.

The World Cup match is scheduled from May 30 to July 14 in England. And the Indo-Pak match will be played on June 16, this year. Some Indian cricketers have also asked India to boycott the match in protest of the attack. However, there is absolutely no constitutional or contractual way that supports the boycott of the matches or completely banning the Pakistan team from the world cup.

Cricket in the time of terrorism is facing multiple challenges which are not being addressed positively. Cricket is the most popular sport in India as well as Pakistan. People from both countries wish to see both the teams play together without any differences.

Unfortunately, cricket matches are seen as a diplomacy tool to spread hatred and differences. Government relations, as well as political differences, are creating obstacles in matches. The game of cricket cannot be blamed for spreading terrorism. Recently, the Indian sports minister said: “cricket and terrorism can’t go hand in hand”.

The Apartheid also shaped politically as the laws and regulations were imposed to ensure that whites don’t come in contact with the blacks. The certain laws were passed to increase variations within the whites and blacks. The apartheid was the only reason behind South African cricketers banning from international cricket until 1990. A similar wave of restrictions and rigidity is visible as the ban is affecting Indo-Pak cricket and possible elimination from the World Cup.