India, Pakistan cricketers playing together in same ILT20 team:Gulf Giants stars say, ‘We support good cricket, political tension has no effect’

The last senior men’s Asia Cup cricket tournament will be remembered not only for India’s victory but also for the fact that Indian and Pakistani players did not even shake hands. This tournament marked the first encounter between the two teams after the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor. Three matches were played between them in Dubai, and each time different stories of bitterness emerged. Now, another cricket tournament has started in the same Dubai from December 2. Along with stars from around the world, cricketers of Indian and Pakistani origin are also participating. They are not only shaking hands but are also part of the same team. The matter concerns UAE’s league ILT20. Gulf Giants, which features in the tournament, includes Indian-origin Meet Bhavsar and Pakistan’s Asif Khan. Meet was born in Kuwait, but his citizenship is Indian. Similarly, Asif, who plays international cricket for UAE, is a Pakistani citizen. Bhaskar spoke to both these players in Dubai. How did both of you come to the Gulf Countries? Asif: I am from Pakistan. I also played my initial cricket in Pakistan. There, I played both Pakistan Under-19 and First Class cricket. In 2016, I came to the UAE. Meet: I was born and raised in Kuwait. I also play in India. Recently, Kuwait and ILT20 collaborated. Because of this, I am currently a part of the Gulf Giants team. The Asia Cup took place three months ago. In it, three matches were played between India and Pakistan, including the final. In none of the matches did the players of both teams shake hands with each other. There was also controversy regarding the trophy. You both play together. Has there ever been any discussion about this? Asif: I am also a part of the UAE National Team. In our dugout, players from India and Pakistan are together. The atmosphere among us is quite good. Many times, players from India and Pakistan stay in the same room. There has never been any problem. Cricket is a gentleman’s game. There shouldn’t be the kind of controversy that happened during the Asia Cup. I hope that next time when there is a match between India and Pakistan, nothing like this will be seen. Meet: In my opinion, all Indians and Pakistanis are brothers and sisters. We play cricket together and spend time together. The India-Pakistan tension does not affect our relationships. We don’t see who is from India and who is from Pakistan. There is a lot of love between us. In the Kuwait National Team too, cricketers from India and Pakistan play together. Political tension has no effect. Many tournaments now include teams from India, Pakistan and the UAE. What is the response of your team’s players when an India-Pakistan match takes place in these tournaments? Asif: We support the team that plays well. However, since I am from Pakistan, you know that I have to support my own team a little bit. By the way, the UAE team players have a very good bonding with players from both India and Pakistan. Meet: When the Kuwait team players watch an India-Pakistan match together, we also support the team that plays well. The India-Pakistan rivalry is big, so there’s a bit of banter between us, but overall we enjoy good cricket. A common question for both of you. Whose cover drive is the most beautiful right now? Babar Azam’s or Virat Kohli’s. Asif: Babar Azam’s. Meet: Virat Kohli’s.