How former PM Manmohan Singh used cricket to break the ice with Pakistan

Updated On: 27 December, 2024 11:46 AM IST | E A

Singh, a two-time former prime minister from 2004 to 2014, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday after losing consciousness at his home owing to age-related ailments. He was 92.

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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this iconic image, Singh, his wife Gursharan Kaur, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sonia Gandhi, and President Pratibha Patil are seen together, watching the gripping 2011 World Cup semi-final at Mohali, days after which India went on to lift the trophy. (Pic: archivepmo.nic.in)</span></p>

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In this iconic image, Singh, his wife Gursharan Kaur, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sonia Gandhi, and President Pratibha Patil are seen together, watching the gripping 2011 World Cup semi-final at Mohali, days after which India went on to lift the trophy. (Pic: archivepmo.nic.in)

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As India`s Prime Minister, Singh was renowned not only for his economic acumen but also for his distinctive approach to diplomacy (Pic: Reuters)

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After assuming office, Singh became known not only for his expertise in economics but also for his innovative diplomatic strategies. One notable example was during the 2011 ICC World Cup. On March 30, 2011, he was photographed engaging with the Pakistani cricket team during the highly anticipated Indo-Pak World Cup semi-final at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. (Pic: Wikimedia Commons)</span></p>

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After assuming office, Singh became known not only for his expertise in economics but also for his innovative diplomatic strategies. One notable example was during the 2011 ICC World Cup. On March 30, 2011, he was photographed engaging with the Pakistani cricket team during the highly anticipated Indo-Pak World Cup semi-final at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. (Pic: Wikimedia Commons)

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A significant moment captured in a file photograph from April 17, 2005, shows Singh with then-President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, at an India-Pakistan cricket match in New Delhi, further highlighting his use of the sport as a platform for diplomacy (Pic: PTI)</span></p>

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A significant moment captured in a file photograph from April 17, 2005, shows Singh with then-President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, at an India-Pakistan cricket match in New Delhi, further highlighting his use of the sport as a platform for diplomacy (Pic: PTI)

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The former Prime Minister was often spotted at cricket events, engaging with dignitaries from various nations. He recognised the power of cricket as a diplomatic tool, leveraging the sport to foster dialogue, particularly between India and Pakistan (Pic: archivepmo.nic.in)</span></p>

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The former Prime Minister was often spotted at cricket events, engaging with dignitaries from various nations. He recognised the power of cricket as a diplomatic tool, leveraging the sport to foster dialogue, particularly between India and Pakistan (Pic: archivepmo.nic.in)

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No one did it better than Singh to use cricket diplomacy to ease tensions and strengthen India-Pakistan relations on and off the field. </span>Singh here is seen posing with Musharraf in New York on September 24, 2004. (Pic: Wikimedia Commons)</p>

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No one did it better than Singh to use cricket diplomacy to ease tensions and strengthen India-Pakistan relations on and off the field. Singh here is seen posing with Musharraf in New York on September 24, 2004. (Pic: Wikimedia Commons)

<p>Singh frequently used cricket as a means to facilitate informal communication, especially with neighboring countries like Pakistan (Pic: archivepmo.nic.in)</p>

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Singh frequently used cricket as a means to facilitate informal communication, especially with neighboring countries like Pakistan (Pic: archivepmo.nic.in)

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another key moment occurred on October 30, 2007, when Singh met with the Indian cricket team to personally congratulate them for their victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup. Alongside his wife Gursharan Kaur and Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, Singh celebrated the team’s triumph over Pakistan in the final, marking a historic achievement in Indian cricket. (Pic: PIB)</span></p>

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Another key moment occurred on October 30, 2007, when Singh met with the Indian cricket team to personally congratulate them for their victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup. Alongside his wife Gursharan Kaur and Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, Singh celebrated the team’s triumph over Pakistan in the final, marking a historic achievement in Indian cricket. (Pic: PIB)

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Bliss by the beach

A photographer holds up the lights during a photo session by the Madh Island seashore. PIC/NIMESH DAVE

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How former PM Manmohan Singh used cricket to break the ice with Pakistan

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Photo of Day

Bliss by the beach