In order to improve the nation's readiness for contemporary and intricate dangers, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered states and union territories to hold drills on Monday. Sunil Gavaskar, a former captain of India, believes that this exercise won't affect the current Indian Premier League (IPL 2025).
This is where the relationship between India and Pakistan is getting worse every day since the horrific terror assault in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists. Tensions have escalated between the two countries with India suspending the Indus Water Treaty, banning Pakistan from using its airspace, and blocking several Pakistani YouTubers and celebrities’ social media in India.
The mock drill is scheduled to be held on May 7 and will consist of simulated air-raid warnings, evacuation rehearsals, and blackout protocols.
"Till something happens, I don't think it'll impact the IPL. Yes, in the evening, when the match is being played, there will be of course, there will be perhaps the lights-off drill in the city. Then I think that could be a little bit of a concern.
But as of now, I don't see the drill really affecting the IPL. I think, look, everybody here in India is feeling really safe and secure. There's no need to worry. I mean, we have the utmost faith in our armed forces, and we have so much love and affection for them," Gavaskar told Sports Today.
Gavaskar also stated that entire country is totally backing its armed forces and also assured that foreigners including players and commentators are not feeling insecure and everything is going on as planned.
“Because of them, we have been sleeping so peacefully all these years. Because of our armed forces, the army, navy, and air force, we are sleeping so peacefully at night, every night. So we have got, of course, confidence and faith, and trust in them.
And so, no, I don't think anybody's feeling insecure. Even the overseas guys are not feeling insecure. Not that anybody has ever said anything to me,” he added.
Gavaskar added that only when the situation improves will cricket relations between India and Pakistan improve. Given their current hostility, he stated that he would not see India and Pakistan playing a match next week.
There are two competitions planned for this year: the Asia Cup and the Women's World Cup. It is unclear if India will play Pakistan.
“That's some months away, so you never know what happens. Things can get better, and I do hope that things can get better. But till then, I think it's very difficult to say. At the moment, if you were to ask me next week, I don't think India and Pakistan could have played next week. But this ICC tournament is a little distance away, so maybe we'll have to wait a bit for that,” he added.
Gavaskar made a suggestion that Pakistan will not be attending the Asia Cup. Several former Pakistani cricket players, including Basit Ali and Javed Miandad, have criticized this viewpoint.
Gavaskar added that the BCCI might invite countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to a separate multi-nation competition in India in the event that India withdraws from the Asia Cup.
(Sports Today inputs)
