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Key Points

Irfan Pathan clarified that the Indian cricket team's decision not to shake hands with Pakistan players was coordinated with both BCCI and the Indian government. He explained this gesture was a mark of respect for victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Pathan emphasized that the team's excellent performance should be the main focus rather than the handshake controversy. He also expressed support for the new Odisha Pro T20 League as a development platform for young cricketers.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan Explains India Pakistan Asia Cup Handshake Decision

  • Pathan says handshake decision made with BCCI and government alignment
  • Decision respected Pahalgam terror attack victims and families
  • Emphasizes Indian team's strong performance overshadows controversy
  • Praises Odisha Pro T20 League for developing young cricket talent
2 min read

Indian team, BCCI and Govt aligned, everything depends on situation: Irfan Pathan on Asia Cup handshake row

Irfan Pathan says Indian team's Asia Cup handshake row with Pakistan was aligned with BCCI and government, citing Pahalgam attack as reason.

"The cricketers, BCCI and the govt of India are aligned. Everything runs in the alignment of the situation - Irfan Pathan"

Cuttack, September 17

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the handshake row during the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash, where Indian players chose not to shake hands with their Pakistan counterparts before and after the match.

Pathan stressed that such decisions are not made in isolation but in complete alignment with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government.

"The cricketers, BCCI and the govt of India are aligned. Everything runs in the alignment of the situation and it is also an individual decision," Pathan said.

He further underlined that while the controversy has dominated headlines, the Indian team's performance on the field remains the bigger story.

"Indian team is playing very well. All controversy is on one hand and the way the Indian team is moving ahead is on the other," he added.

The decision not to shake hands came as a mark of respect for the families who lost their loved ones in the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pathan also lauded the Odisha Pro T20 League being organized by the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA). He believes the tournament can be a stepping stone for young cricketers in the state.

"This will give opportunity to a lot of young talents. It will profit Odisha cricket a lot... I am hoping that a lot of players will reach the top level in this," Pathan remarked.

The Odisha Pro T20 League is set to begin on September 17, featuring six teams and 18 matches, with Pathan and Odisha's own Debashish Mohanty serving as ambassadors.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Irfan Pathan is absolutely right. The team, BCCI and government are working together. This was a dignified response to the terror attack.
R
Rohit P
While I understand the sentiment, sports should remain above politics. A simple handshake doesn't mean we forget what happened. Just my opinion.
S
Sarah B
Good to see the Odisha T20 league getting attention. Regional tournaments are crucial for discovering new talent across India.
V
Vikram M
The media should focus more on cricket and less on these controversies. Team India is playing brilliantly - that's what matters! 🏏
M
Michael C
Interesting perspective from Pathan. In international sports, these gestures often carry deeper meanings beyond the game itself.

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