Navjot Sidhu suggests match between IPL & PSL champions to promote India-Pak peace

Navjot Singh Sidhu is India’s man of the moment now. The cricketer-turned-politician, who faced flak at home recently for going to Pakistan and also hugging its army chief, has now come with a new idea to give peace between the two neighbours a chance. Stressing that cricket could foment peace between the two countries, the 54-year-old desired a cricket series between the winners of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Sidhu, currently a cabinet minister in the government of Punjab, made his suggestion to a Pakistani TV news channel during his visit to the country where he attended the swearing-in of Imran Khan as its 22nd Prime Minister last Saturday (August 18). The Congress politician came under criticism from the BJP and other parties for going to the neighbouring country and also hugging its army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. The act was even criticised by the chief minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh.

Sidhu was also criticised for going to Pakistan at a time when India was mourning the death of its former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and sitting next to Masood Khan, president of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Sidhu, who called Khan a “heartthrob to millions” called his trip to Pakistan a memorable one and also something that marked a “new beginning”.

Sidhu bats for India-Pak cricket

“Cricket takes us to a whole new level. A match between the winning team of the IPL and PSL is a good idea,” Sidhu was quoted as saying to the Pakistani media. The IPL and PSL are the premier T20 leagues of India and Pakistan, respectively.

“I hope I have laid the foundations and someone will work on it.”

Prime Minister Imran came to the defence of Sidhu after the controversy, calling him an “ambassador of peace”.
Khan had also invited two of his contemporaries — legendary Indian players Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev — besides Sidhu though the two turned down the invitation owing to pre-engagements.

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