NEW DELHI: World Cup-winning former India wicketkeeper
Syed Kirmani has expressed deep disappointment at the lack of sportsmanship in modern cricket, saying he felt “ashamed” after hearing friends from abroad describe the Asia Cup 2025 as a tournament marred by politics rather than sporting spirit.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking to ANI, Kirmani lashed out at the provocative gestures made by Pakistan players during their clashes with India, and the tit-for-tat responses that followed. He also lamented India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and Pakistan minister Mohsin Naqvi after winning the final in Dubai, calling the episode “disgusting” for the game.
“By and large, there has been no gentlemanness in the game. Very rude, arrogant gestures on the field. I am ashamed myself to listen to the comments of my friends from outside India. They said our time was different, we played like gentlemen. But what has happened at the
Asia Cup is disgusting. These are their words,” Kirmani said.
The former cricketer recalled how India-Pakistan ties were once built on camaraderie and respect, irrespective of political tensions.
“Our time as cricketers, we had such wonderful camaraderie. Pakistani players coming into India, we going into Pakistan — what hospitality, what love, what affection. Exchanging pleasantries, families meeting at parties. Where is that now? The total scenario from our time to this era is absolutely depressing according to me,” he said.
The Asia Cup final ended in bizarre scenes when the Indian team refused to receive the trophy from Naqvi, who left the ceremony with the silverware. Videos of officials carrying the trophy away shocked fans worldwide.
Kirmani stressed that politics should never find a place in sport.
“Politics should not enter sports. Leave politics behind. Whatever has transpired away from the sporting field, leave it there itself. Cricket should not be used for such things,” he added.
India may have won their ninth Asia Cup title, but as Kirmani put it, the tournament will be remembered less for cricketing excellence and more for the controversies that overshadowed it.
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