Sports in International Relations: Cross Cultural Reflections of Sentiments

Abstract

After about half a century of animosity and a few hesitant efforts at peace-making, Pakistan and India - two neighbours in a strained relationship, or more like two estranged siblings – chose the game of cricket in the spring of 2004, as a tool to initiate friendship between them. Five one-day matches were played in the Indo-Pak series from March 14 to April 17, 2004. The historic series raised expectations for the future relations of both countries. As the preparation of matches progressed, communication researchers of the two countries initiated an interesting area of study: the various emotions in  varying degrees as exhibited on the faces of the nationals of both countries during cricket’s series. The emphasis was on recording, through content analysis, of major national dailies of the countries involved, the game’s ability to bring the two countries closer or otherwise.