'Sachin and Warne had called all of us...': Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq reacts to Virat Kohli, Babar Azam viral video
Reacting to the special moment between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq said he couldn't have been any prouder.
On Wednesday, the sight of Pakistan captain Babar Azam and India batter Virat Kohli shaking hands and greeting each other ahead of the start of Asia Cup 2022 went viral. The video was shared by the BCCI, a small portion of the clip capturing the wonderful gesture between the two champions. This is the first time that Kohli and Babar have come face-to-face since the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match last year in Dubai. Kohli and Babar together were a treat for sore eyes then, and not much has changed 10 months later as the video of their catch-up left fans in awe.
Reacting to the special moment between Kohli and Babar, Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq couldn't have been any prouder. The former spinner reflected on the visuals and mentioned that there has never been shortage of respect and admiration between players of India and Pakistan despite whatever has been transpiring politically in their respective countries and at either end of the border.
"A few years ago, I went to play Cricket All-Stars and over there, 25 of the biggest names played cricket. Sachin and Warne had called us all and there too, I had tweeted – it has been 6-7 years now – that Pakistan and Indian fans were all that we had in the USA. And fans from both countries had stitched both nation's flags into one," Saqlain told reporters.
"Then in the next match, more fans did the same, which is why I had tweeted that this is not just cricket or entertainment. This was a culmination of several things which were depicting that cricket is brining humanity together. Yes, we play matches, there are different angles and emotions involved but this sends a message for love and humanity as well. Yesterday's pictures summed up all of this very well."
When it comes to Indian and Pakistan, emotions and expectations run wild given the history between the two teams. More so now, since India vs Pakistan matches have been confined only to ICC tournaments. However, Saqlain has urged fans and viewers to treat the upcoming India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2022 match on Sunday as a game and nothing more
"Of course, these two teams will be competing. There will be emotions involved, nations are supported. But at the end of the day, it's a game. It should be enjoyed and I believe that all players – especially from India and Pakistan – are trying to send a positive message of kindness to the world. This is why our players go meet the Indian players and vice-versa. I think it sends a beautiful message," he added.
