EAM Jaishankar Draws Parallels Between Cricket and Foreign Policy at Launch of Mohinder Amarnath’s Fearless
At the launch of Fearless, the memoir of former Indian cricketer Mohinder Amarnath, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a thought-provoking speech that drew fascinating parallels between the world of cricket and the domain of Indian foreign policy. His remarks underscored the strategic depth and competitive nature shared by both fields, offering a fresh perspective on how cricket and diplomacy intersect.
Jaishankar’s speech began with a reflection on one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history—the 1983 Cricket World Cup victory. He highlighted how this victory was not just a historic sporting achievement but also a symbolic turning point for India’s standing in the world. "1983 was not just an inflection point in cricket; it was the inflection point, with Mohinder Amarnath being the man of the match," Jaishankar said. He further emphasized that India’s role in world cricket underwent a radical transformation following this victory, marking the beginning of the country’s rise as a cricketing powerhouse. "If you look at India’s role in world cricket after 1983, it fundamentally changed," he added. Jaishankar’s comments drew a direct connection between India’s success on the cricket field and its growing influence in global affairs, suggesting that both were key markers of India’s ascent on the world stage.
The External Affairs Minister went on to make a broader analogy between cricket and foreign policy. Drawing from his experience in diplomacy, Jaishankar highlighted the similarities between the strategic thinking required in both fields. "I like to constantly compare the evolution of cricket in India with the evolution of Indian foreign policy, and with India itself," he remarked. According to Jaishankar, both cricket and foreign policy are highly competitive arenas where success is determined by performance, strategic decisions, and the ability to adapt to constantly changing conditions.
He illustrated his point by referencing the example of Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies captain, who once dismissed the Indian team as less competitive but later showed immense respect after India’s 1983 World Cup triumph. Lloyd even declared a pitch unfit for play in recognition of India’s growing prowess. Jaishankar viewed this as an instance of "earned respect," where India’s performance on the cricket field led to greater recognition and credibility—a sentiment that resonates deeply within the realm of foreign policy, where respect and influence are similarly earned through consistent performance and strategic success.
Jaishankar further expanded on the analogy between cricket and foreign policy, explaining that both require a deep understanding of context and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. "Cricket is far more like foreign policy than most people realize," he said, pointing out that both fields involve multiple players (nations or teams), with strategies evolving depending on the circumstances. He noted that playing at home and playing abroad in cricket, just like in foreign policy, presents very different challenges, with each situation requiring tailored strategies for success.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of having a well-thought-out strategy. Just as a cricketer must analyze the pitch, understand the conditions, and adjust their game accordingly, a diplomat must understand the geopolitical landscape, recognize shifting global dynamics, and adjust their foreign policy strategies in real-time. In both cases, success is not only about individual performance but also about the collective strategy and the ability to navigate complex, competitive environments.
Jaishankar’s speech at the Fearless launch was a tribute to Mohinder Amarnath’s illustrious cricketing career, but it also offered valuable insights into the intersection of sports and diplomacy. By drawing these compelling comparisons, Jaishankar illuminated how both cricket and foreign policy are defined by strategy, performance, and the pursuit of excellence. His reflections not only celebrated the achievements of India’s cricketing heroes but also reinforced the idea that the principles of competitiveness, respect, and adaptability are universal—whether on the cricket field or in the realm of international diplomacy.
