ADVERTISEMENTs
Oxford India Society cancels cricket match with Pakistan Society
The cancellation comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly in light of recent escalations along the border after the Apr.22 Pahalgam terror attack.
-
Pranavi Sharma - Mon, 12, May 2025
- 01:08 EDT
- 177
.jpg)
Logo of the Society. / Oxford India Society.
The Oxford India Society in the University of Oxford has cancelled its scheduled cricket match with the Oxford Pakistan Society, citing the ongoing violence and loss of life in South Asia. The decision was announced in a public statement on Instagram last week, in which the Society said it could not, “in good conscience,” go ahead with a "friendly" match under the current circumstances.
“In light of the ongoing hostilities, the Oxford India Society has decided to cancel the scheduled cricket match with the Pakistan Society,” the statement read. “While we believe in sportsmanship and unity, we cannot, in good conscience, engage in a 'friendly' match when lives are being lost on both sides due to the Pakistani military's continued support for terrorism as state-policy and disregard for international law. We stand firmly with India, our families, and our armed forces back home.”
The cancellation comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly in light of recent escalations along the border after the Apr.22 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent launching of Operation Sindoor by the Indian Army against Pakistan. While the Oxford Pakistan Society has not issued a public response yet, the decision marks a significant moment in student diplomacy at the university, where cultural societies often work together to build cross-community relationships.
Founded in 2003, the Oxford India Society (OIS) describes itself as a platform to celebrate Indian culture and foster dialogue on contemporary political, social, and economic issues related to India. According to the Oxford Student Union website, OIS brings together Indian students, students of Indian origin, and non-Indians who share an interest in Indian affairs.
Its programming includes cultural events such as music festivals and food fairs, as well as debates, seminars, and charity fundraisers. The society has worked with various organizations in the past, including “Asha for Education,” “Bhopal Medical Appeal,” “GiveIndia,” and “Jamghat.” A core principle of the group, it says, is its belief in Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam — the idea that the world is one family.
The now-cancelled cricket match was one of several joint events typically hosted by South Asian societies at Oxford to promote unity and student engagement beyond national boundaries. However, members of the India Society said the context this year made such a gesture inappropriate.
Related
.jpg)
.jpg)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login