India, Feb. 14 -- When India play against Pakistan, cricket is the simple part. The result is decided by skill not rhetoric and the best team on the day wins.

But in recent times, getting to the cricket has never been simple. The lead-up is often a not-so-subtle mix of nationalistic messaging, political bravado and foolhardy gestures and that is why most fans are glad that the conversation, after drama around Pakistan boycotting the league match against India, has shifted back to cricket.

Sport these days is a political game but it is still a game and bragging rights are decided purely by performance. The boycott controversy may have thrown things off for a bit but neither team took their eyes off the ball. They couldn't afford to.

"We...