India versus Pakistan is much more than cricket: MS Dhoni

Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni and Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army, is spending his off-time with the Jawans at the country border. The 36-year-old has hung up his boots from the longest format of the game and henceforth, he is currently not on the Indian side who are playing the Lankan Lions in a three-match Test series.

After his interaction with the Army Bravehearts, Dhoni spoke at length about the bilateral ties between India and Pakistan. The legendary cricketer believes playing cricket against Pakistan might sound normal for others, but it’s a lot bigger than being a sport for the country and the government.

He said that a political decision must be taken for an Indo-Pakistan match or series to materialize and it’s not easy for them to allow this considering what has been happening on the borders in the last few years. He also said how politics and cricket is inter-connected and how the gentlemen’s game contributes to the country.

“In cricketing terms, India versus Pakistan is a much bigger affair than just the bat-and-ball contest. It’s not an easy decision to make for the players, the officials have to make a diplomatic and political decision. People often say sports and politics shouldn’t cross paths, but when it comes to cricket, no matter if it’s a bilateral series or a big tournament, cricket generates a lot of income and it eventually contributes to the Indian economy,” Dhoni said.

We will respect Government’s decision

Dhoni also added that the Government’s decision on the cricketing relationship between India and Pakistan will be respected and consented without any arguments. He clearly mentioned that if the government doesn’t want them to play cricket with them, they will not be playing.

Playing with Pakistan in this present situation is not an easy task and no matter what the Government says, we will respect it. If they don’t want us to play cricket against Pakistan, we will respect it.

Here’s what MS Dhoni said after his interaction with the Army personnel.

Watch: India versus Pakistan is much more than cricket, says MS Dhoni pic.twitter.com/onh7x8iluo

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