Once a symbol of subcontinental sporting warmth, the India–Pakistan cricket rivalry has now become a reflection of the broader political chill between the two nations. And according to former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, the damage may be irreversible — not just between governments, but between the players and fans too.
Speaking on the Game On show, Saqlain said the growing hostility and rhetoric, especially from prominent former Indian cricketers, is eroding the spirit of the game itself. He criticised one such ex-player’s recent comment about Pakistan and its integrity, calling it deeply offensive. “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!” he said.
Saqlain argued that former players have a responsibility to uphold the game’s values, not fuel divisions. “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.
A past remembered, a future feared
Once upon a time, players from India and Pakistan shared camaraderie that transcended their on-field battles. From Javed Miandad playing Holi with India’s team in 1987, to Virat Kohli embracing Mohammad Rizwan after a T20 World Cup clash in 2021 — there have been glimpses of respect and affection even amid intense competition. But Saqlain believes that era 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.
His comments come against the backdrop of recent friction between the cricket boards, on-field tensions, and the broader political narrative that has made bilateral matches nearly impossible.
Cricket’s message of peace being forgotten
Saqlain recalled more hopeful times, contrasting the current hostility with moments that once brought fans and players together. “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,” he said.
Those memories, however, now stand in stark contrast to the current mood, where even basic gestures like handshakes and trophy collections are viewed through political lenses.
Saqlain questions narrative of financial superiority
In a pointed critique, Saqlain also took aim at repeated assertions from Indian voices that they single-handedly sustain the global cricket economy. He described such claims as arrogant and divisive. “Look, money flows and gets distributed, and every other day they come out and say, ‘This is what we earned and gave to the ICC; you are eating while we are earning.’ They act as if others have nothing at all. They’ve been talking like this every few days, and their arrogance has grown so much,” he said.
While the former spinner acknowledged that political leaders will continue to operate within their domains, he urged those connected to cricket — especially ex-players — to rise above partisan narratives and uphold the sport’s legacy of unity.
As the cricketing world inches closer to yet another high-stakes India–Pakistan encounter, Saqlain’s words serve as a sobering reminder that the greatest threat to this rivalry may no longer be on the field — but in the tone and tenor of those speaking around it.
