The Pakistan Shaheens’ captain Mohammad Haris made headlines recently, but not for his performance on the field. Instead, it was his comments about India that sparked a whirlwind of reactions.
In a video that quickly went viral, Haris casually mentioned that for the first time, the Pakistan team wasn’t allowed to talk about India in the dressing room during the Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Oman.
At first glance, it might seem like an attempt to ease the pressure surrounding the fierce rivalry between the two nations, but Haris’s remarks have caused quite the stir.
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What Exactly Did Haris Say?
Before the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash, Haris explained in the video, “We don’t have to think [only] about India. We have to think about other teams as well. I have been in the [senior] Pakistan team and played in the last World Cup as well.”
“It creates so much pressure that mentally, you are thinking about India, India. We have to face other teams as well.” Now, while this comment seems innocent enough, it has divided fans and players alike.
On one hand, some believe it’s a sensible approach. The pressure of facing India in any competition is immense, and for a young captain, finding ways to lessen that burden is understandable. But on the other hand, there are those who see this as disrespectful or poorly thought out, especially ahead of such a significant game.
Basit Ali’s Reaction
One person who didn’t hold back was former cricketer Basit Ali. He took to his YouTube channel to voice his displeasure, specifically targeting Haris’s choice of words. “He [Haris] has no sense of what to speak and what not to,” Basit said bluntly.
His concern wasn’t just about Haris’s comments, but the broader implications they might have. “If somebody thinks the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given those instructions, then that is wrong,” he added.
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He suggested that Haris doesn’t fully grasp the weight of his statements, especially when they revolve around a sensitive topic like India-Pakistan cricket.
Basit also made it clear that, contrary to Haris’s comments, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hasn’t given any such instructions about not discussing India in the dressing room.
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