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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and Parikh Worldwide Media does not officially endorse, and is not responsible or liable for them. Cricket Must Not Lose Its Soul: Competition Not At Cost Of The Game’s Spirit The game must be allowed allowed to find a way to restore its dignity and balance on the ground.Not only is there a need to check the unregulated commercialization but there is a need for the introduction of regulations that give bowlers a fair chance, have sporting pitches, and fair future tour programs that pre- serve Test cricket’s relevance. C ricket, once celebrated as the “gentleman’s game,” has undergone a fundamental transformation. The rise and growth of franchise cricket and different T20 leagues around the world, power- hitting, televised match schedules and advertise- ment have not only changed the game on the ground, but also how it is played and perceived by its fans and follow- ers. The emphasis today seems to be less on competition and more on earning money and entertainment. Flat pitches, short boundaries, and heavy bats en- gineered for six-hitting have reduced bowlers to mere participants in one sided competitions. Cricket matches, especially the T20 games often resemble batting feasts, where skill, patience, and strategy are sacrificed at the cost of instant gratification. Even Test cricket, referred to as the purest form of the game, is being degraded, with people at the helm pushing for shorter, faster and com- mercially viable formats. CRICKET WAS ABOUT NARRATIVES The gentleman’s game, a title that evokes images of sportsmanship, mutual respect, and moral conduct on the field, but it seems that international cricket today just doesnt have such character. Growing up in the 90s, crick- et was not simply commercialization or entertainment, it carried larger narratives.Embedded in it were so many stories of teams, individuals and even entire nations. Sri Lanka’s dramatic surge in the 1996World Cup; Sachin Tendulkar’s desert storm; South Africa’s misery in 1999; Australia’s legendary team; SteveWaugh’s grit; Shoaib Akhtar’s unrestrained pace; CourtneyWalsh and Curtly Ambrose’s terror, Brian Lara’s unparalleled class and the pace battery of twoWs. There was so much to cricket be- yond just bat and ball.Even the saying”gentleman’s game” stems directly from the expectation that cricket should be played with honour.What it means to be a sportsman or sportsmanship was even exemplified on the ground. It was not just about competing on the ground only but mutual respect and admiration. Back in 2003World Cup Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist walked off the field without waiting for the umpire’s signal, even though the edge he had made was faint and not spotted by officials. In the 2005 Ashes series, after a tense finish where England narrowly defeated Australia, Andrew Flintoff immediately bent down to console a heartbroken Brett Lee. Rahul Dravid’s entire career was full of ethical brilliance and Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakarra was known for his on and off the field sportsmanship. LOSS OF DECORUM With utter disregard to its glorious past, many observ- ers believe that the term “gentleman’s game” no longer applies, especially with the rise of excessive commer- cialism and scandals.The growth of T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League has brought renewed attention, money, and viewership to the sport. While positive in many, there is a strong feeling that the entertainment and sponsorships have overtaken the real spirit and sports- manship.Not only the excessive commercialization but there are few other things like aggressive celebrations, player auctions, and market branding which has radically changed the tone of the game. Although the branding, the accessibility and passion is welcomed, the loss of de- corum is seen as a step away from the game’s true spirit. Modern cricket has elevated the game’s reach, brought in global audiences, and created global heroes of the game. Modern cricket players are celebrities with massive fan following and wealth. Cricket has become a multi- billion-dollar industry. But during this shift not only the balance between sport and show but between the bat and the ball has dangerously tilted. The joy of watch- ing a bowler set up a batter over several overs to get his wicket, the delight of a hard fought 250 in a Test match, or the concentration required to survive a tricky fast spell, the spin web with fielders around the bat were the ingredients that gave the game its charm. If these are lost, cricket risks becoming just another tool of entertainment devoid of its true character.Unlike the money minting machine,the real spirit of cricket refers to the unwritten values that guide player behavior, including respect for the opponents, umpires, and the sport itself. It goes even beyond the rulebook and emphasizes sincerity, sports- manship, and fair play. RESTORE THE GAME’S DIGNITY The game must be allowed allowed to find a way to restore its dignity and balance on the ground.Not only is there a need to check the unregulated commercialization but there is a need for the introduction of regulations that give bowlers a fair chance, have sporting pitches, and fair future tour programs that preserve Test cricket’s rel- evance. The governing bodies like the ICC or BCCI must act now; otherwise, cricket may continue to entertain, but at the heavy cost of losing its very soul.There is a hope that better sense prevails and the “gentleman’s game” is rescued. The author is a columnist and academician based in Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir. He writes on educational, social and political is- sues. Views expressed are personal. He can be reached at rayeesmas- roor111@gmail.com Pak-FreeWorld - Panache For India’s Terror Troubles News India Times (September 20, 2025 - September 26, 2025) September 26, 2025 4 Opinion PHOTO:SAM By Rayees Masroor W hile the 1st part dealt with ways to make In- dia more economically reliable and attractive to neighboring countries by firm imposition of laws, here we discuss other side. It is said that every adversity is also an opportunity in disguise. The relentless and often pointless adversarial behavior of Pakistani establishment towards India needs to be urgently addressed and reset. It is severely flawed to brand every Pakistani national, an enemy of India. Hundreds of Indians visiting Pakistan each year nearWagah border are amused by the amiabili- ty of Pakistanis and remain allured for a long time. Nearly all Indian tourists visiting Pakistan remain tempted to go back again and possibly deeper into Pakistan’s hinter- land. For instance, Sunita Dwivedi , modern day chronicler of Gautam Buddha’s journey recalls Pakistanis to be very civilised and friendly in an interview with me . People would come out of their homes to greet her during her stay there. Clerics would welcome her into their mosque , offering a place to rest and refereshments. But never was she judged for her nationality or religion. She even observed that she felt safe in Pakistan but was unsure if a Pakistani could feel the in any part of India. In a television discussion Senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai emphatically distinguished between Pakistani people and Governments. He had no doubt that the av- erage Pakistani bears none or probably far less hatred for Indians than what is imagined. It is the Pakistani estab- lishment that remains obsessed with the idea of enmity with India.Very few Pakistani civilians hate India as much as general Munir does. Alleviating swathes of citizens from financial hardship was India’s response to decades of Pakistani hostility. These changes while at work for long, and quite possibly a culmination of years of work, has now manifested in the form of development. This is not going unseen by average Pakistani and many even secretly admire Modi for hastening progress on many fronts. India’s status as the ‘5th largest economy’ is being noticed. Contrary to common beliefs, for much of Pakistani civilians Ayodhya temple / Babri masjid may not matter while their own financial prospects remain bleak. Many in Pakistani understand that their enmity with India benefits other world powers and smugglers. An AI response to google search “do Pakistanis love Indians” reveals that very few can be said to adore India. But most of these quotes are from scans of media reports - AI confesses. However, source publications of these finding are invariably European. Actual real time response of individuals may still reveal the exact opposite. So, how can India achieve more acceptance of herself within Pakistan? The answer lies in winning hearts and minds—especially among youth and women. Friend- ships between Indians and Pakistanis in Gulf countries already prove that bonds can thrive beyond politics. Yes, vigilance is necessary, but dialogue and empathy can be powerful tools Bollywood too has a great role here. Films like “ Bajrangi bhaijaan” prove that art can transcend bound- aries… kindle compassion. Am sure every pair of eyes watching that movie were wet with joy during the last scenes. At a time when global dynamics are shifting-even bringing India and China closer on economic fronts-In- dia must rationalize its resources and push the Pakistani government to acknowledge its people’s genuine wishes: peace, prosperity, and coexistence. Because, at the end of the day, ordinary persons only want to build a better life for themselves and their families. Hence, solution to India’s terror troubles is in unleash- ing their own diplomacy with never before fervor, lifting the Indo Pak narrative frommores of hatred and employ- ing the current Indian governments’ firm belief - world is one family - Vasudaiva Kutumbakam !! By Anand Velayudhan