India vs Pakistan: Toxicity is often associated with increased profitability, particularly in the context of India-Pakistan cricket matches.
India vs Pakistan
Numerous amateur individuals who propagate hate and negativity on social media platforms are becoming increasingly active in the lead-up to the Ahmedabad cricket match. These individuals are often fueled by influential figures on both sides who seek to boost their own popularity and profit from the rivalry. It’s a circus before, during, and after the main event, with automated “bot” accounts playing a significant role.
Sometimes, these influential figures are former cricketers themselves, vying for followers who will either engage with their posts emotionally or exhibit temporary nationalistic fervor. Indifference is a rarity in this emotionally charged environment.
Cricket holds a deep place in the hearts of fans on both sides, and the narrative can often turn comical. During a recent Pakistan victory over Sri Lanka, an individual posted a picture of Mohammad Rizwan and dryly exclaimed, “Let’s laugh at them.” This demonstrates the intensity of the rivalry.
Regardless of where your cricket loyalty lies, the India-Pakistan match is a boon for business, the sport, and advertisers, as it generates substantial revenue.
The historical “divide-and-rule” policy was not originally intended for sporting profit, but the bilateral cricket standoff between India and Pakistan has transformed it into a lucrative enterprise, especially during multilateral events or World Cups featuring both nations.
On social media, there will be uproar, mocking, and incendiary comments, all contributing to the spectacle. On the ground, there will be flag-waving and passionate displays of support, tempered by real-world interactions and hospitality, as seen in the warm welcome for Pakistanis in Hyderabad.
The economic impact is significant, with hotel and airline stocks surging, and estimates suggest that the World Cup will contribute around Rs 22,000 crore to the economy. This is further amplified by the BCCI’s increased share of ICC earnings.
In this charged atmosphere, many attendees at the game in Ahmedabad are focused on garnering attention on social media, regardless of the outcome, as it boosts their online presence and engagement.
Despite the heightened anticipation, it’s refreshing to see that the cricketers themselves have maintained a friendly and respectful demeanor, fostering good relations with their counterparts from across the border. This might bewilder some of the online provocateurs who await an on-field altercation to fuel their digital tirades.
Ultimately, let’s hope that the cricket match on Saturday remains a peaceful and harmonious event. In the end, the age-old cliche, “cricket was the winner here,” might well be repeated endlessly.
