Media Release - Make cricket, not war! (4 June 1999)

4 June 1999

Media Release - Make cricket, not war!

Hit Racism for Six

Hit Racism for Six supporters will be leafleting the India-Pakistan World Cup match at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

The leaflet will carry a message to all cricket-lovers:

"Support your team! Respect the opposition! Have fun!

"A World Cup match between India and Pakistan is an occasion to be celebrated and enjoyed. But a cricket match is not a war and should not be treated as one. Politicians who try to use cricket to whip up hatred and division - in the sub-continent or in Britain - should be rejected by all those who value the game of cricket.

"Let's turn today's match into a celebration of our common south Asian cricket culture and a display of India-Pakistan friendship.

"The presence of Asian fans at cricket grounds up and down the country has helped turn this World Cup into a true carnival of cricket. The tiny minority in England who object to that presence will seize on any unpleasant incident at today's match as an excuse to turn the clock back. Let's all work together to make today a triumph for cricket - and for Indian and Pakistani cricket fans."

A spokesperson for Hit Racism for Six commented on the initiative. "Cricket fans should not allow this match to become a proxy war between India and Pakistan, or allow it to be used by divisive elements either here or in south Asia. But we also see no reason for heavy-handed security measures. The authorities should not perceive every expression of enthusiasm as a menace to law and order. An India-Pakistan match is a great occasion in the global cricket calendar. We urge spectators, administrators, police and the players themselves to do everything in their power to ensure this is a festive and joyful day, a celebration of international cricket and India-Pakistan friendship."

Hit Racism for Six is the independent campaign for racial equality at all levels of cricket.

For more information contact: Tariq Aslam on 0411 466524.

Source :: Hit Racism for Six