India Society cancels cricket match with Pakistan Society

Oxford India Society have cancelled a scheduled cricket match with Oxford Pakistan Society, citing the “ongoing hostilities” between the two countries.

In a statement posted to India Soc’s Instagram page, they stated their belief in “sportsmanship and unity”. They maintained that their opposition to the “Pakistani military’s continued support for terrorism as state-policy” meant they were unable to “engage in a ‘friendly’ match”. The statement ended with “Jai Hind”, a slogan meaning ‘Hail India’ which dates back to the country’s independence movement from Britain. 

Tensions between India and Pakistan have risen significantly over the past month, following a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 dead. On 7th May, Indian missile attacks killed 31 people in Pakistan, and the countries have both accused each other of firing missiles onto military bases. 

India Soc posted a statement yesterday (9th May), condemning the attacks in Kashmir. They stated their support for “decisive action against terror” while lamenting “the cycles of violence” continuing in the region. Pakistan Society also posted a statement, urging unity, and hoping for “peace, justice, and liberation” against “senseless state violence”. 

India Soc and Pakistan Soc have run events together in the past, including screenings of India-Pakistan cricket matches, and their own annual match against each other. Pakistan Soc’s Trinity term card includes ice hockey with India Soc in Week 4. Whether this will go ahead is currently unconfirmed, but India Soc told Cherwell they “value the principle of mutual respect” and “look forward to collaborating [with Pakistan Soc] in the future”. 

Pakistan’s deputy prime minister announced an “immediate ceasefire” on Saturday, which may further impact the societies’ decisions. 

India Soc told Cherwell: “We have taken the decision to call off the match as we believed it unseemly to flaunt our privilege of enjoying a ‘friendly’ match whilst being sheltered in Oxford. We are sure that members of the Oxford Pakistan Society share our concerns about the safety of family members back home and like us would be unable to enjoy the Dev-Khan match in this climate.

“The Oxford India Society is the largest cultural student society in Oxford; we remain incredibly proud of the diverse range of experiences, beliefs and opinions held amongst the membership. The decision was taken following conversations with the committee and was informed by sentiments from the membership.”

Cherwell has approached Pakistan Soc for comment.