Former England spinner calls for putting aside differences ahead of Super 4 clash
Former England spinner Monty Panesar has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match, where both teams skipped the customary post-match handshake. He believes this incident has dampened the excitement around one of cricket’s biggest rivalries and urged both sides to concentrate on the game itself rather than off-field issues.
Handshake Snub Clouds India-Pakistan Rivalry
- India deliberately skipped the post-match handshake after their Group A win over Pakistan.
- Pakistan players also showed no intent to shake hands.
- Pakistan captain Salman Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony, making global headlines.
- The political strain between the two nations, following the May military clash after the Pahalgam terror attack, has further reduced the buzz among fans.
Panesar’s Take: “Focus More on Cricket, Less on Politics”
Speaking to IANS, Panesar said:
“The hype around the India vs Pakistan game is a little less this time. One reason is the recent handshake row. It has affected the buzz. Cricket boards want this to remain a gentleman’s game. Pakistan and India should pay more attention to cricket and less to other things.”
India Holds Upper Hand Ahead of Super 4 Clash
- Panesar considers India’s current form very strong.
- He acknowledged Pakistan’s ability to raise their game by 20-30% against India.
- However, he predicted India will likely win the upcoming Super 4 encounter.
Recent Result Recap
India had earlier secured a clinical seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Group A stage of the Asia Cup.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Asia Cup 2025.
