India and Pakistan have historically had a rocky relationship, but immigrants from both nations embraced peace during a friendly game of cricket Sept. 21 in Carmel’s West Park.
Cricket for Peace, organized by the Pakistan American Friendship Association, India Association of Indianapolis and Indiana India Business Council, featured teams representing the two Asian nations playing a sport that is unfamiliar to most Americans but a regular part of life many places internationally.
“The idea was to promote collaboration between immigrants from India and Pakistan and to work together in celebrating World Peace Day,” said Muzaffar Ahmad, a member of the organizing committee. He is a Fishers resident who is originally from Pakistan.
Organizers selected a top player who had immigrated from India and Pakistan to select teams. India won the match, scoring 94 runs in 8 overs. Pakistan scored 90 runs in 10 overs.
Ahmad said local immigrants have been gathering regularly to play cricket for more than a decade, even though there are no public cricket fields nearby. Most teams play on softball fields.
“It would be great if cities can set up some fields in their parks that can be used to play cricket,” Ahmad said. “Carmel Mayor James Brainard, who attended this game, has shown some interest in providing a cricket ground to Carmel residents.”
Organizers hope to make Cricket for Peace an annual event.
