The India vs Pakistan tie on September 2 at the Asia Cup 2023 got a lot of traction. Despite the game being a wash out, the two arch-rivals met for the first time since the T20 World Cup 2022 and many expected fireworks from the two teams. (More Cricket News)
During India's first innings, Pakistani pace battery of Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi troubled the Indian batters. However, the 138-run partnership between Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan revived the Indian innings. However, before the game, players from either sides were seen sharing some light moments.
This did not go down well with former India player Gautam Gambhir. The 2011 World Cup winner was quoted as saying on Star Sports that the Indian team should leave 'friendship outside the boundary ropes'.
"When you play on the field for your national team, you must leave the friendship outside the boundary ropes. Game face hona zaroori hai. Dosti bahaar rehni chahiye. There has to be an aggression in the eyes of both sets of players," Gautam Gambhir said
"You can be as friendly as you want after those six or seven hours of cricket. Those hours are very important because you're not just representing yourself, you're representing a nation of over a billion.
"These days you see players of rival teams patting each other on the back and exchanging fist bumps during a match. You would never see that a few years ago," Gautam Gambhir added.
To this, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi had his take on the statement.
"That is his thought. I think differently. We are cricketers and ambassadors as well, we all have fans across the globe. So it is better to send out a message of love and respect. Yes there is aggression on the field, but there is life off the field as well," Shahid Afridi told Pakistan media on Wednesday.
Indian cricket will again face Pakistan on Sunday in a Super 4 clash at the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.
