Picture displays ex-PM Manmohan Singh greeting Pakistan's cricket squad during the 2011 World Cup, contrary to close proximity to the 26/11 Mumbai assaults.
The 2011 World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan, held at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali, was a historic moment not just for cricket, but for sports diplomacy as well. The match, played on 30 March 2011, was marked by a significant meeting between the prime ministers of both countries and the cricket teams.
In a memorable moment captured in a viral photo, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani were seen meeting the Pakistan cricket team, with Shahid Afridi, the then captain, wearing a jersey emblazoned with "ICC Cricket World Cup 2011." This photograph is archived on the PMO website, confirming its authenticity.
However, it's important to clarify that this meeting did not take place shortly after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in November 2008, as a different photograph showing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Sharad Pawar is often mistakenly associated with that event.
The 2011 World Cup semi-final was not the first time India and Pakistan faced each other after the cancellation of the tour due to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The terror attacks, which caused over 300 injuries and killed 166 people, had a profound impact on bilateral relations, leading to the cancellation of India's scheduled cricket tour of Pakistan in January-February 2009.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan in Dubai on 14 September marked another significant milestone. This was the first time they faced each other since Operation Sindoor. The match was scheduled despite calls for a boycott following the Pahalgam terror attack, adding a layer of tension to the highly anticipated event.
In a twist of fate, India registered a convincing seven-wicket victory in the Asia Cup match, while the 2011 World Cup semi-final ended in a heart-wrenching loss for Pakistan, with India falling just short of a victory in the finals.
Despite the ups and downs in the cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan, the shared love for the sport continues to bridge gaps and foster a sense of camaraderie. The meetings between the leaders and players serve as a reminder of the power of sports diplomacy in promoting peace and understanding.
