Former West Indies captain Jason Holder has expressed his concerns over the tensions between India and Pakistan in cricket, describing the situation as ‘sad’ and insisting that players from both countries should set an example for the game and its fans around the world.
Holder, who led the West Indies for several years, highlighted the recent Asia Cup controversy in which India won the tournament but its players did not take the podium to collect the trophy.
“I don’t like the rivalry between India and Pakistan. They are two powers in world cricket. It’s sad to see how things have turned out. I saw India win the Asia Cup and they didn’t go up on the podium to accept the trophy. I think it’s too much; these things shouldn’t be in our game,” Holder said.
“As cricketers, we are ambassadors to the world. If we talk about world peace and making the world a better place, it’s not what you want to see from your idols. If you inspire a generation, we have to find a way to come together. I understand that, there’s a long history behind it.
Presenter Grace Hayden, daughter of Australian legend Matthew Hayden, reflected on past incidents during the IPL and PSL, describing the atmosphere as ‘terrible’ and highlighting the fear and uncertainty experienced by players and fans.
“I was in India then and it was tough; you never know what’s going to happen. I have a lot of respect for both countries, they’re such beautiful people, beautiful cultures. I love both countries. That’s why it hurts everyone in cricket at times like this because we have so much respect and love for both countries,” Hayden said.
Holder highlighted how political and logistical issues affected players and tournaments alike. Drawing from his own experiences in the region, he spoke about the challenges and frustrations he faced on and off the field.
“I was in Pakistan then. I wasn’t scared, but there was a lot of uncertainty. I think it’s very difficult to play in the World Cup, for example, you have to change games because India can’t come to Pakistan when cricket is being played in Pakistan or vice versa. I think that’s very wrong,” he said.
He criticized the restrictions preventing Pakistani players from participating in Indian-owned franchises, describing it as creating ‘a huge divide in world cricket’.
“This whole face has to be put where they can’t shake hands, or Pakistani players can’t engage in franchises owned by Indians, which creates a big divide in world cricket. We want better competition; better players should play together seamlessly,” Holder said.
Hayden concluded with a call for unity among cricketing nations.
“We are one big cricket family at the end of the day. We come from different parts of the world. It would be good if we all come together and be on the same page,” he said.
The sporting rivalry between India and Pakistan has extended beyond the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, marking a series of high-profile controversies in cricket.
The tension that started in the group-stage clash of the Asia Cup continued into the Super Four, where India beat Pakistan in the final but did not personally accept the trophy from PCB president and ACC president Mohsin Naqvi.
Similar incidents were reported in the Women’s World Cup clash between the two sides, including the Hong Kong Super Sixes, where key ACC events such as handshakes and courtesies were allegedly ignored.
Tensions further escalated when India boycotted playing against Pakistan in the second season of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), refusing to face them in both the group stage and semi-finals.
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