NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has expressed concern over the tone of comments made by some former Indian players, suggesting that such remarks have added to tensions between the two cricketing nations. His comments came on the same day the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup fixture was confirmed after weeks of uncertainty.
"Recently, an ex-cricketer-I won't name him because it doesn't feel right-was asked about Pakistan talking about their integrity and respect. He replied, 'Look, before I speak, those who have no respect to begin with, how can they talk about respect?' I mean, use some common sense! What kind of narrow-minded things are you saying? You are an ex-cricketer. Players are supposed to be heroes and stars, and stars shine for everyone. Heroes belong to everyone. At least try to act like a hero!" Saqlain said on the Game On Hai show.
U-turn after U-turn: Every time PCB said 'no' to India - and then backed down
"The politicians are doing what they do - they are playing their politics. But you guys [former cricketers] shouldn't talk like this. Don't you understand? When you hit a boundary or take a wicket, everyone claps - from this side and that side. You just don't seem to get it. I say they need some sense on the other side of the border; they should speak a bit more intelligently," he added.
"Even the big ex-cricketers over there are saying such strange things and spreading hatred. They don't understand the purpose of this game. Cricket delivers a message of peace and unity. I remember when we went to play the 'Cricket All-Stars' in America; the fans had stitched flags together to make one giant flag. In the middle, the Indian and Pakistani flags were joined, with Indians and Pakistanis standing together," Saqlain said.
Saqlain emphasised that the era of off-field friendship between Indian and Pakistani cricketers is over.
"I don't think those things [the old spirit of the game] are coming back because things have gone too far. On the other side, they don't want it to return; they have kept it this way specifically to polish their own politics and will continue to do so," he said.
'Use some common sense': Saqlain Mushtaq blasts ex-Indian cricketers' comments
NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has expressed concern over the tone of comments made by some former Indian players, suggesting that such remarks have added to tensions between the two cricketing nations. His comments came on the same day the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup fixture was confirmed after weeks of uncertainty.
"Recently, an ex-cricketer-I won't name him because it doesn't feel right-was asked about Pakistan talking about their integrity and respect. He replied, 'Look, before I speak, those who have no respect to begin with, how can they talk about respect?' I mean, use some common sense! What kind of narrow-minded things are you saying? You are an ex-cricketer. Players are supposed to be heroes and stars, and stars shine for everyone. Heroes belong to everyone. At least try to act like a hero!" Saqlain said on the Game On Hai show.
U-turn after U-turn: Every time PCB said 'no' to India - and then backed down
"The politicians are doing what they do - they are playing their politics. But you guys [former cricketers] shouldn't talk like this. Don't you understand? When you hit a boundary or take a wicket, everyone claps - from this side and that side. You just don't seem to get it. I say they need some sense on the other side of the border; they should speak a bit more intelligently," he added.
"Even the big ex-cricketers over there are saying such strange things and spreading hatred. They don't understand the purpose of this game. Cricket delivers a message of peace and unity. I remember when we went to play the 'Cricket All-Stars' in America; the fans had stitched flags together to make one giant flag. In the middle, the Indian and Pakistani flags were joined, with Indians and Pakistanis standing together," Saqlain said.
Saqlain emphasised that the era of off-field friendship between Indian and Pakistani cricketers is over.
"I don't think those things [the old spirit of the game] are coming back because things have gone too far. On the other side, they don't want it to return; they have kept it this way specifically to polish their own politics and will continue to do so," he said.