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Monty Panesar says India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Super 4 clash lost hype due to the handshake row and strained ties, predicting India will win after their earlier 7-wicket victory.
Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes the recent ‘no handshake row’ has further dampened the excitement of the India vs Pakistan game in the Super 4 of the ongoing Asia Cup, stating that both teams should focus more on cricket rather than other matters.
There is not much hype among the citizens about the match due to the strained political relations between the neighbouring nations following their military face-off in May, which came in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
In the first match, Team India deliberately skipped the customary post-match handshake with Pakistan players. The Pakistan players also showed no intent to extend the gesture, leaving the contest without the usual display of sportsmanship. After the handshake snub, Pakistan captain Salman Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony, making headlines worldwide.
“The hype around the India vs Pakistan game is a little less this time. Now, one of the reasons is the recent handshake row. It has affected the buzz. All the other cricket boards also don’t want this, they want this to be a gentleman’s game. Pakistan and India should pay more attention to cricket and less to other things,” Panesar was quoted as saying to IANS.
Who Wins India Vs Pakistan?
Panesar, who has often followed India-Pakistan encounters closely, said the Men in Blue hold the upper hand heading into their Asia Cup Super 4 clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.
“India’s status is very strong right now. Pakistan is such a team that when it plays against India, they can do 20-30 per cent better, so Pakistan will have to play very well, they should play in the same way as before. But, in my opinion, India will win this match,” he added.
India had registered a clinical seven-wicket win over Pakistan in their Group A clash earlier in the tournament.
(With inputs from IANS)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
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