Srinagar, The recent visit of Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar to the region of occupied Jammu and Kashmir has inadvertently shed light on the local population’s strong affinity for Pakistani cricketers, juxtaposed with their apparent resentment towards Indian governance. The visit, intended to be private, has sparked conversations about the political undertones perceived by the local Kashmiri populace.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Nayeema Ahmad Mahjoor, a noted Kashmiri author and former BBC editor, detailed these sentiments in her article for the Jammu-based Kashmir Times. Mahjoor analyzed the reactions and interpretations of Tendulkar’s visit, which included stops at various significant sites and interactions with select figures, suggesting a broader, symbolic context that resonated politically with the residents.
The article brings to the forefront the voices of local Kashmiris like Riyaz Lone from Gulmarg, who articulated a profound admiration for Pakistani cricketers, indicating that figures like Shahid Afridi hold a special place in the hearts of the Kashmiri people. Lone’s hypothetical scenario where the visit of a Pakistani player could lead to overwhelming, even dangerous, public gatherings underscores the depth of this sentiment.
Additionally, the narrative extends to other local perspectives, including businessman Ghulam Rasool from Islamabad, who interpreted Tendulkar’s itinerary, particularly his visit to the Line of Control, as a politically charged gesture. These insights collectively illustrate the nuanced interplay between sports, cultural affiliations, and political identities within the region.
The commentary concludes by echoing a broader suspicion among some Kashmiris regarding the intent behind Tendulkar’s trip, suggesting it transcended mere personal leisure, thereby reflecting the ongoing complexities of Kashmiri identity and allegiances.