As the world gears up for the electrifying showdown between India and Pakistan in the cricketing arena, the anticipation and fervor surrounding this epic rivalry are at an all-time high. But amidst the excitement, one can’t ignore the undeniable reality – this clash of titans isn’t just a battle on the field; it’s a goldmine for profitability, making it one of the most significant events in the sporting world.
The Age of Toxicity and Profitability
In the age of social media, toxicity often goes hand in hand with profitability, and the India-Pakistan cricket matches are no exception. Amateur, hate-spewing cyber enthusiasts flood the digital landscape, their actions fueled by “thought-leaders” on both sides who strive to play the spinmeister. These influencers, some of them ex-cricketers, vie for fresh hordes of followers, igniting instant negative emotions or fleeting nationalistic fervor, but rarely indifference.
The Circus Before, After, and During
Cricket runs deep in our collective veins, and during such matches, narratives can amusingly run their course. Amidst Pakistan’s triumphant journey against Sri Lanka, an “X” poser, fatigued, shared an image of Mohammad Rizwan, exclaiming, “Let’s laugh at them,” without much exuberance. Such moments of comedy often emerge, adding flavor to the already charged atmosphere.
Good News for Business
Whether your cricket loyalty tilts one way or the other, the India-Pakistan match spells good news for businesses, the sport, and a sudden windfall for advertisers. This “divide-and-rule” policy was not originally intended for sporting profits, but the bilateral cricket blockades between India and Pakistan have transformed them into that very concept. When it’s a multilateral event or a World Cup featuring India and Pakistan, it’s a bonanza.
Uproar on Social Media
Social media platforms will witness a general uproar, with cruel rib-tickling and caustic humor taking center stage. Money will be made, but logic often doesn’t find a ticket to this arena.
Flag-Waving and Celebrities
On the ground, expect a display of flag-waving patriotism, hopefully seasoned with the sobering influence of real-world interaction, similar to the grand welcome extended to the Pakistanis in Hyderabad. Inside the stadium, there will be singing, dancing, and celebrity sightings.
Economic Impact
Hotel and airline stocks are on the rise, and conservative estimates suggest that this World Cup will add a whopping Rs 22,000 crore to the economy. A significant chunk of this windfall is fueled by this one particular game.
The Cricketers and Bonhomie
Amidst this fever pitch anticipation, the cricketers themselves have maintained a sense of authenticity and camaraderie. They’ve refrained from off-field theatrics and displayed camaraderie with their counterparts from across the border. Virat Kohli can casually meet Babar Azam, Haris Rauf can chat with Kohli on camera, and Shaheen Afridi can gift Jasprit Bumrah something for his newborn, all while sharing smiles and bows, creating a pleasant spectacle for the cameras.
Profit and Peace
This camaraderie, or lack of on-field conflicts, may perplex the cyber enthusiasts waiting for the moment tempers flare. Yet, beyond profits, other intangibles, like peace of mind, also drive the event.
At the end of it all, when the dust settles and emotions calm, the age-old cliche will once again be uttered, “Cricket was the winner here,” and for those moments of unity and sportsmanship, we remember the true essence of the game.
