Is it a good idea to mix sport with politics?

Question

So Zimbabwe have had their cricket tour cancelled. Does this punish the regime or simply rob an already opressed people of their chance to celebrate their national team and feel a little pride in their country. Should sport be used as a weapon to punish a political regime in this way?

Answer 1

No.

A far better idea is to mix Gin with Tonic.

Chin Chin!!

Answer 2

Yes, it's a way of demonstrating to a country's population that the outside world finds the actions of their government unacceptable.  It doesn't help much in the short run but it helps undermine support for their government, so may hasten Ebagum's departure at least a little.

Answer 3

No, because then politics would probably be all irrelevant.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, sport and politics are always tied together, whether it involves national government( as in this case) or the internal wrangling ( as currently in Formula One motor racing with Max Mosley.)

when a Government steps out of line with the rest of the world, a political ban, in theory, seems a great idea, but, as you say, it very rarely has any effect on the country's actual government.

Unfortunately, the situation in Zimbabwe is so bad that the only chance of anything improving is the removal of Mugabe and his regime, which seems very unlikely to happen, unless someone puts a bullet through his head.

A lot of people are going to miss out on the chance of seeing some great talent in action, which is a shame, as it won't punish those that deserve to be, only the in the main, innocents.

mike t.

Answer 5

eveything is connected with politics

sometimes we just dont want to admit it ..

Answer 6

yes, gordon brown, tied to a goal post at a football training session