The Friendship Act

For a cricket fan, crossing boundaries and traveling across the world to support your team has become a routine affair. But was it always this easy? Not really. India’s tour of Pakistan in 1955 was the first international cricket series to be played on Pakistan soil. The thrill and excitement on both sides of the border was palpable. 

First two tests had ended in a draw and the third test was to be played at Lahore from January 28-31. But traveling to the neighboring country in the aftermath of partition posed challenges. 

In an endearing act of friendship aimed at fostering cross-border relations, the Government of India eased travel restrictions for Indian nationals intending to travel to Lahore to witness the match.

Visa and passport requirements were done away with and a special free of cost ‘Identity Certificate’ was issued by the Indian authorities which was to be valid for the duration of the match. Further, custom formalities were relaxed and special trains and buses were arranged from Amritsar to Lahore to facilitate smooth travel.

Thousands of enthusiastic Indian fans traveled to Lahore but were left dejected as the test ended in a draw. The act though was hailed as a progressive step to promote peace and harmony between two nations, through the unifying power of cricket.

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