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When Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Used Cricket To Heal India-Pakistan Relations
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On Thursday, the entire India mourned the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 9:51 PM on December 26 at AIIMS Hospital.
AIIMS Delhi, in a press statement late on Thursday night said, “With profound grief, we inform the demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26th December 2024.”
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Dr. Manmohan Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was a legendary and important leader in the history of Indian politics, known for his major economic changes and diplomatic efforts. He was a true statesman who spoke less but did more.
Manmohan Singh’s Role in Strengthening India-Pakistan Cricket Relations
Manmohan Singh was the architect and the brainchild of economic reforms in the year 1991.His vision helped pull India back from the brink of bankruptcy and led to an era of economic liberalization, which is widely believed to have changed the country’s economic path.
However, not many are aware of the fact that, in addition to changing the dynamics of the Indian economy, Manmohan Singh played an instrumental role in rebuilding cricket relations with arch-rival Pakistan. This strategy was known as ‘cricket diplomacy’.
Following the 2008 Mumbai Terror Attack, which impacted the harmony and ties between the two countries, Manmohan Singh used cricket as a medium to heal cricketing relations.
One of the most special and memorable moments took place during the ODI World Cup 2011 when he invited Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to the semi-final match in Mohali, symbolizing the possibility of using sports for diplomatic engagement.
During Manmohan Singh’s tenure in the PM office, India and Pakistan played a bilateral cricket series in 2012-13, which included ODIs and T20Is. However, ever since then, most cricket matches between the two nations have been limited to tournaments organized by the ICC and ACC. The recent hesitation to travel for the 2023 Asia Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy highlights the continuing tensions between the two countries.
Indian cricket fraternity mourned death of former Prime minister
On Friday, both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams wore black armbands to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The men’s team, led by Rohit Sharma, is playing the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne. Meanwhile, the women’s team is playing the third and final ODI against the West Indies in Vadodara.
“The Indian team is wearing black arm bands as a mark of respect in the memory of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away,” the BCCI said in a statement.
Former Indian cricketers, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and VVS Laxman were among the first to express their condolences on social media. They took to their official social media platforms and penned their heartfelt condolences.
Check out some of the tweets:
Dr Manmohan Singh ji’s demise is a profound loss for India. His contributions to our nation shall always be remembered. My prayers are with his family and loved ones as we mourn his passing away.
Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/NO6jB1UZoL
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 27, 2024
Sad news of the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. A visionary leader and a true statesman who worked tirelessly for India’s progress. His wisdom and humility will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. 🙏 #ManmohanSingh ji
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) December 26, 2024
Saddened by the news of sudden demise of former Prime Minister, a thorough gentleman, and a visionary leader, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji 💔💔What truly set him apart was his calm and steady leadership in times of crisis, his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and his… pic.twitter.com/WKbjrnADJQ
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 26, 2024
Deeply saddened by former Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh Ji’s sad demise. It's a great loss to the nation. My condolences to his family & loved ones. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti!#ManmohanSingh pic.twitter.com/1vf5BXOzwP
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) December 26, 2024
One of the finest leaders of the country, former PM and an ace economist who changed the course of Indian economy, Dr Manmohan Singh’s demise is a great loss to the country. May his soul rest in peace #DrManMohanSingh pic.twitter.com/glNTptHpUR
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) December 26, 2024
The passing of Manmohan Singh marks the end of an important era in Indian politics. His lasting influence on the economy and international relations, particularly with Pakistan, will be remembered as a crucial part of his enduring legacy.
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