Ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 which will be played in the UAE, the players of all participating teams have been interacting and meeting each other during their training sessions, and pictures of the same are all over social media.
Well, Virat Kohli was the central attraction, not only because of his form, but also for meeting players of the opposition teams, especially Pakistan.
Recently, BCCI treated the cricket fans with a video, where Kohli was seen shaking hands and having a small chat with Pakistan captain Babar Azam during training in Dubai. Later, the video and pictures of them went viral on social media.
Now, Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq has reacted to the viral pictures of Babar meeting Kohli and interacting with him when they were warming up in Dubai, saying it sends out a positive message.
Saqlain Mushtaq said during a media interaction on Thursday: “Some years back, I went to play an All-Star Game, there were top 25 cricketers of the world and we were playing together. Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne got everyone together, that time around; I had put out a tweet. That match was being followed by just Indian and Pakistan cricket fans in America. Both Indian and Pakistan fans had stitched together flags and they were displaying it in unison.”
The coach continued, “I had tweeted then that it is just not cricket and entertainment. It helps people understand so many things, it is bringing everyone together. When we play matches, emotions run high. But this game also helps in giving lessons about humanity. I think yesterday's picture between Babar and Virat gives a good message.”
On the India vs Pakistan match in Asia Cup on August 28, Saqlain said: “It is entertainment, it is a sport. The emotions run high, but at the end of the day, it is a sport. We are trying to spread the message of love and kindness. That is why players from both countries mingle with each other.”
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The coach is also confident that Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Haris Rauf will do a great job in the absence of their key pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022.
Saqlain signed off by saying, “For a very long time, these three (Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Haris) have been executing the plans and requirements of the Pakistan cricket team. The captain and I as head coach have full confidence in them. There is no need to worry, Shaheen used to lead the attack but unfortunately, he is not here because of injury. They can change the game on their day.”
(NDTV inputs)
