Overview:
Hafeez emphasizes that India and Pakistan should be free to contribute to cricket's global growth, with politics never hindering the game.
Mohammad Hafeez has called for the revival of sportsmanship in India vs Pakistan clashes, following the end of the boycott saga. He also stated he wouldn’t watch the match if it’s played with the same intensity in the 2025 Asia Cup.
India and Pakistan faced off three times in the UAE during last year’s tournament, with all encounters clouded by controversy and controversial gestures from both sides. India implemented a no-handshake policy, signalling solidarity with the Indian army and victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
“I’ve always been in favour of India-Pakistan matches because this rivalry inspires the entire world. I genuinely hope the match takes place. But it’s not just about this one game. I’m not focused on just this match. What I truly want is for India-Pakistan matches to happen regularly, without political interference,” Hafeez said.
Hafeez emphasizes that India and Pakistan should be free to contribute to cricket’s global growth, with politics never hindering the game. He stresses the importance of maintaining integrity and sportsmanship in their games, urging that whenever the India-Pakistan match takes place, it should be played with the highest level of respect and fairness.
“Both nations should be free to contribute fully to the growth and promotion of cricket, and politics should never interfere with the game. Additionally, no matter what the circumstances surrounding an India Pakistan match are, we must always prioritize the integrity and spirit of the game. Whenever this match is played, if it takes place on the 15th, it should be contested with the highest level of sportsmanship,” he added.
“We don’t want matches like those in the Asia Cup. If it’s going to be played that way, honestly, I’d prefer not to watch it at all,” Hafeez concluded.