Post by : Mumtaaz
Qadiri
In the world of cricket, emotions often run high, especially when the match is between India and Pakistan. These two nations share one of the most intense sporting rivalries in history. A single gesture or a single word can spark headlines across the world. This was exactly the case during the recent Asia Cup 2025 group stage, where a simple handshake — or the lack of it — created a storm off the field. While fans, media, and even cricket boards argued over the matter, one man, a true legend of Indian cricket, stepped in to bring calmness and wisdom. That man is Kapil Dev, the captain who gave India its first World Cup win in 1983. His words were simple but powerful: “Play cricket, not politics.”
The Handshake Row That Started It All
The Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan on September 14 was expected to be a thrilling encounter on the field. But before the first ball was bowled, controversy had already begun. At the toss, India’s stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha. For many, this looked like a small act, but it quickly grew into a major talking point across social media, television channels, and newspapers. After the match, Indian players also avoided the traditional post-match handshake, which only added fuel to the fire.
Suryakumar Yadav later explained that the team’s emotions were high because they dedicated the victory to Indian soldiers and the victims of a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. To him and his teammates, skipping the handshake was their way of making a statement. But what started as a team’s emotional decision soon turned into a bigger issue, carrying political and national undertones.
Pakistan’s Strong Reaction To The Incident
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not take the matter lightly. They quickly filed a protest against what they believed was poor handling of the situation. According to their complaint, the match referee, Andy Pycroft, had allegedly told Pakistan’s captain not to insist on a handshake to avoid further tension. Pakistan saw this as unfair and demanded action. At one point, there were even threats from Pakistan’s side about withdrawing from the tournament if no steps were taken.
The International Cricket Council (ICC), however, stood by the match referee. They maintained that no wrongdoing had occurred. Finally, after a clarification and what was called a “miscommunication apology,” Pakistan agreed to stay in the tournament. The situation cooled down, but the bitterness remained among fans and officials.
Kapil Dev’s Message Of Peace
When asked about the incident, Kapil Dev chose not to add fire to the debate but instead offered calm advice. He reminded everyone of the true purpose of the game. “Let the bat do the talking. Cricket is played with skill, not with handshakes or headlines,” he said. His statement was not aimed only at players but at the entire cricket community, including fans and the media. He wanted people to stop magnifying small gestures into political controversies.
Kapil Dev stressed that cricket should remain a sport and not turn into a battlefield for political or emotional fights. According to him, young players should focus only on their game, improving their skills, and entertaining fans. Handshakes or no handshakes should not be allowed to overshadow the beauty of cricket.
Why Kapil Dev’s Words Carry Weight
Kapil Dev is not just another retired cricketer giving his opinion. He is a legend who transformed Indian cricket by winning the 1983 World Cup, a victory that changed the country’s sporting culture forever. His voice is respected both in India and abroad. When he says something, people listen, because he speaks from decades of experience, both as a player and as a leader.
His statement comes at a crucial time. Sports in the modern world often mix with politics, nationalism, and media narratives. A calm and balanced view like Kapil’s acts as a reminder that cricket is meant to bring joy and unity, not anger and division. His advice was not just for the players, but for cricket boards and fans as well.
The Bigger Picture Of India-Pakistan Rivalry
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense in the world. Matches between the two sides are watched by millions of people across the globe. Every ball, every wicket, and every boundary carries huge pressure. But this rivalry also often gets mixed with political issues between the two countries, making it difficult for players to keep the game separate from national sentiments.
Kapil Dev’s advice comes as a reminder that while patriotism is natural, the focus must stay on fair play, sportsmanship, and respect. Cricket should be a bridge, not a wall, between two nations that share so much history and passion for the sport.
Looking Ahead To The Next Clash
India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other again in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup on September 21 in Dubai. This match is already building excitement among fans. The stakes are not just about winning but also about how the teams conduct themselves after the recent handshake controversy.
Kapil Dev’s timely message is a call for both sides to show maturity. Instead of getting distracted by small gestures or off-field noise, the players should focus on giving fans the high-quality cricket they deserve. This upcoming clash could be an opportunity for both teams to prove that the spirit of cricket is stronger than any controversy.
Cricket As An Emotion In South Asia
In India and Pakistan, cricket is not just a sport. It is a shared emotion, almost like a festival, celebrated by millions. Victories bring joy and pride, while defeats can cause heartbreak. Because of this, even small off-field incidents get magnified. The handshake row is just the latest example of how cricket in this region is much more than just runs and wickets.
But at the same time, legends like Kapil Dev remind us that cricket should also be about joy, unity, and respect. If fans and players alike can focus more on the game itself and less on politics, the rivalry can remain intense but also healthy.
Cricket Should Always Come First
The Asia Cup 2025 handshake controversy showed how quickly small gestures can turn into big issues in the India-Pakistan rivalry. But amid all the noise, Kapil Dev’s voice stood out for its clarity and calmness. His message was simple: play the game, enjoy the sport, and don’t let politics spoil cricket.
As India and Pakistan prepare for their next clash on September 21, his advice is more important than ever. Cricket has the power to unite millions, and it is the responsibility of players, boards, and fans to protect that spirit. If everyone remembers that the game itself comes first, then cricket will always remain the winner.
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