Sports Desk
22 September 2025, 08:42 AM IST
“They were coming at us without any reason… I wanted to deliver for the team,” said Indian opener Abhishek Sharma when asked about the on-field altercations.
Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan (right) celebrates his half century during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match between India and Pakistan, Screengrab from Pakistani television show. | Photos: PTI, X
The high-stakes India–Pakistan Asia Cup encounter in Dubai was already simmering with tension due to on-field aggression and the ongoing “no-handshake” controversy. However, the focus dramatically shifted off the pitch after a shocking segment on Pakistani television left fans across the cricketing world stunned.
A clip from a Pakistani talk show went viral during the match, where the host posed a twisty question: “Sir, agar ladke yaha se jaan maare to kya hum jeet sakte hain?” — “Sir, if our boys give their all, will we win the match?” The response from a panelist was appalling. Laughing, he said: “Mere khayal mein ya to ye karde ya kuch ladke firing hi kar dena, idhar match he khatam karo kyunki confirm hai hum harenge” — “I think either do that, or send some boys to open fire and end the match, because it’s certain we’re going to lose.”
The offhand suggestion of violence to alter the match’s outcome has sparked widespread condemnation online. Viewers have labelled the comments “shameful”, “dangerous”, and a disgrace to the sport. The talk show featured former Pakistan internationals Basit Ali and Kamran Akmal as expert panellists, further adding to the embarrassment for Pakistan cricket during an already difficult period on the field.
Still no handshakes
India secured a commanding six-wicket win over Pakistan in their Super Four clash at the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday, chasing down 172 with seven balls to spare. Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a blistering 74 off just 39 balls, including five sixes and six fours, while Shubman Gill contributed 47 off 28. The pair shared a 69-run stand in the powerplay, setting the tone for the chase. Despite a brief middle-order wobble, Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson ensured India crossed the finish line at 174-4 in 18.5 overs.
Sharma, who was also named Player of the Match, smashed Shaheen Afridi for a six off the first ball and later engaged in a heated exchange with Haris Rauf. Speaking post-match, Sharma said, “They were coming at us without any reason… I wanted to deliver for the team.”
Earlier, Pakistan posted a par total of 171-5. Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 58 off 45 balls, forming a 72-run partnership with Saim Ayub (21). But after Farhan’s dismissal in the 15th over by Shivam Dube, Pakistan’s scoring rate dipped. Faheem Ashraf provided late momentum with an unbeaten 20 off 8 balls, but India’s bowlers, especially Dube and the spinners, kept things in check.
Off the field, tensions between the two sides continued with no handshakes before or after the match — a policy reportedly driven by India’s alignment with government and cricket board instructions. This no-handshake stance also caused a delay in Pakistan’s previous match against the UAE, with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft caught in the middle of the confusion. Pycroft also officiated Sunday’s clash.
The match was the second India–Pakistan face-off of the tournament, with India having won their earlier Group A match as well. The atmosphere remained tense, especially with memories still fresh from the Pahalgam terror attack in April.
Pakistan will now face Sri Lanka in a must-win game in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, while India will meet Bangladesh in Dubai on Wednesday.
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