Saralnama
The 2025 Asia Cup in Dubai saw India and Pakistan turn cricket into a tense and political battle. Matches featured refusal to shake hands, jingoistic gestures, and clashes involving officials. India’s captain dedicated wins to victims of attacks, while Pakistan’s bowler mimicked crashing fighter jets, leading to fines. India refused to accept the trophy from Pakistan’s cricket board chief, causing the trophy to be withheld. The tournament showed how political rivalry affects cricket, turning it into a spectacle driven by nationalism and money. Experts and fans worry this harms the spirit of the game and sets a bad example for new cricketing nations. The rivalry overshadowed cricketing skills and created a hostile environment. Many feel the two teams should avoid playing each other until they restore sportsmanship. This Asia Cup will be remembered more for conflict than cricket. (Updated 1 Oct 2025, 13:48 IST; source: link)