Former Captain Emphasizes Maintaining Competitive Spirit in High-Stakes Matches
Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan has expressed his disapproval of Pakistani cricketers being overly cordial with Indian players during matches. As the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, Moin Khan believes that excessive friendliness can be perceived as a sign of weakness on the field.
The two arch-rivals will face off on February 23 at the Dubai International Stadium, a fixture that is expected to be one of the most high-profile encounters of the tournament. In recent years, it has become common to see players from both sides engaging in friendly exchanges before and during matches, something that Moin Khan finds baffling.
“Unfathomable” Behavior During India-Pakistan Matches
Speaking on a podcast hosted by actor Ushna Shah, Moin Khan questioned the modern-day approach of cricketers, emphasizing the need for professional boundaries.
“I don’t understand what’s happening these days. When Indian players come to bat, our players check their bats, pat them, and engage in friendly conversations,” said Moin Khan.
He recalled how, during his playing days, senior members of the squad strictly advised players not to interact with Indian cricketers on the field and to maintain an aggressive game face throughout the match.
“Our seniors always told us that when playing against India, we should not give an inch. There was no need to talk to them during matches. When you become too friendly, they see it as a weakness, and it adds pressure to your own performance,” he added.
Champions Trophy 2025: A Highly Anticipated Clash
The Champions Trophy 2025 will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. Pakistan will begin their campaign on February 19 against New Zealand in Karachi, while India’s first match is scheduled for February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.
Both India and Pakistan have been placed in Group A, along with New Zealand and Bangladesh. Group B consists of Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
Pakistan, the defending champions, clinched the 2017 Champions Trophy title by defeating India in the final. With the upcoming tournament set to reignite cricket’s most intense rivalry, Moin Khan’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about whether sportsmanship should take precedence over competitive aggression in such high-stakes matches.
