Overview:
He opined on the recent tensions and war between India and Pakistan.
Haider Ali is only concerned about playing for the UAE in international cricket. Although he was born in Pakistan and even played over there, his selection for the UAE team has led to a change of loyalties. The 31-year-old was a part of the UAE team in the Asia Cup 2025 and competed against India and Pakistan. In an interview with India Today, he spoke about his teammates, who are mostly from India and Pakistan.
“We don’t think that some players are from India or Pakistan. We are representing the UAE, and the UAE has given us respect. We are like family. We don’t think about India and Pakistan and live like brothers. There is no such system in the team. Our coach, Lal sir (Lalsingh Rajput), is from India and treats us like his own kids,” Haider Ali said.
He opined on the recent tensions and war between India and Pakistan.
“We don’t talk about war. We are representing the UAE, and we don’t think about what is happening in India and Pakistan. It is their headache and not ours. Our focus is on cricket, and these things don’t bother us,” he added.
Haider was satisfied with the performance of his team in the Continental Cup.
“India and Pakistan are world-class teams. Our overall performance was good. I am from Pakistan, but it doesn’t mean that I have to do something extra against India. Pakistan and India are the same for us. I don’t think about these things. When I am on the field, I think I am the best. Win and defeat are part and parcel of the game. Be it India, Pakistan or Australia, our focus is on cricket.”