Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir expressed disapproval upon the friendly interactions between Indian and Pakistani players during a rain delay at the Asia Cup, believing on-field friendships between opponents should be avoided when representing one’s country.
Players from both teams were spotted laughing and joking with each other during the rain delay. Gambhir, on the other hand, was baffled by the team spirit.
When representing your country on the field, friendships off the field must be put on hold. Love and friendship will prevail. “Always maintain a confident demeanor. Friendships should be kept on the sidelines during games. Both teams need to approach the game with an attitude of aggression. After six or seven hours of cricket, you can be as social as you like”, Gambhir stated on Star Sports.
“What you say represents more than a billion individuals; it represents an entire country. During a game, it is not uncommon for players from opposing teams to pat each other on the back and shake fists. Only recently has this become commonplace. You guys should have a friendly game,” he said..
Even while joking on the pitch is permitted, according to Gambhir, it should not go too far.
“It’s fine to criticize, but avoid getting personal. You should not exceed your capabilities. Don’t bring up someone’s loved one or become too close to them. Joking around is acceptable. There used to be ribbing during games versus Australia and Pakistan”, he said.
After Pakistan bowled out India for 266, the rain stopped play before they could bat. Therefore, Pakistan has qualified for the Asia Cup Super 4 stage, while India will play Nepal on Monday to determine the second team to progress from Group A.
