The Pakistan team management is confident their players will maintain discipline and composure in Sunday’s blockbuster Asia Cup clash against India in Dubai — a test they already passed in their fiery encounters with Afghanistan during the recent tri-series.
Learning from Afghanistan Series
According to team sources, Afghan players repeatedly attempted to provoke Pakistan’s cricketers during the tri-series, even resorting to name-calling. However, the Men in Green refused to retaliate.
Afghanistan players tried to provoke the opposing players and, at times, called names, but Pakistan players did not react. At one stage, the match referee of the tri-series, Ali Naqvi of Pakistan, was informed, but no untoward incident happened.
Naveed Cheema’s Steady Hand
Much of this calm is credited to team manager Naveed Cheema, a seasoned administrator who once served as a top bureaucrat in Punjab. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Cheema has overseen multiple Pakistan tours without any major disciplinary issue. With political tensions still raw after the May military conflict between India and Pakistan, management is keen to ensure players don’t allow emotions to spill over.
Crowd Concerns in Dubai
Analysts warn that the real flashpoint could be in the stands
The Indian and Pakistani expats living in the United Arab Emirates have always mingled well during matches and festivities, but this time there are fears that bitterness may spill into the crowd.
History of Flashpoints
India-Pakistan matches have seen their share of heated moments. Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi and Gautam Gambhir clashed physically during an ODI in Kanpur in 2007, while Gambhir had a verbal altercation with Kamran Akmal during the 2010 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. More recently, Pakistan’s young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem had two verbal spats with India’s Abhishek Sharma last year. If both feature on Sunday, the rivalry could resurface.
Captains Call for Controlled Aggression
Speaking to Telecomasia.net, both captains acknowledged that tempers might flare but emphasised restraint. “Aggression will be there, but it should be controlled,” admitted Pakistan skipper Salman Agha, with India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav echoing the sentiment.
Spotlight on the Umpires
With such high stakes and intense build-up, match referee Andy Pycroft of Zimbabwe will have his hands full in keeping the contest within the spirit of the game.
