‘Everything comes to a standstill’ - Roger Binny on grandeur of India-Pakistan clashes

If there is anything that a cricket fan looks forward to, it is the brilliant clashes between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Both sides have had many memorable encounters over the years and have developed quite a rivalry.

Despite some disputes, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) and BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) try their best to compete in harmony amidst the political tensions between the two countries. On Monday, September 4, the BCCI president Roger Binny and Rajeev Shukla attended a gala dinner in Lahore on PCB's invitation.

Speaking at the event, Binny thanked the PCB for their graciousness and heaped massive praise on the quality of matches that India and Pakistan have had over the years. Binny further elaborated on how time comes to a standstill when India takes on Pakistan, stating that the roads are empty and everyone stops working to see the clash. Furthermore, the BCCI president thanked the PCB for hosting him and Rajeev Shukla.

"I would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board for the invitation to tonight's programme. I bring you greetings from the BCCI and from the cricket lovers of India. As your Excellency said, India-Pakistan is one of the biggest games that is played. I can tell you, sir. When India played Pakistan, everything came to a standstill," Roger Binny said in a video shared by the PCB.

"People don't work; the roads are empty. Everybody's in front of the television, watching cricket. That's how big cricket is in India and Pakistan; I must thank the Pakistan Cricket Board for its hospitality from the time we crossed the border this afternoon. It was a wonderful experience," Binny said.

BCCI President Roger Binny's speech at the PCB Gala Dinner at the Governor's House in Lahore.#AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/Zl2tq5MHxW

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 4, 2023

It is worth noting that Binny and Shukla were invited to the dinner to celebrate Pakistan co-hosting the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, and this visit could go a long way in mending the relationship between both boards amidst the political tensions.