Hatred, at any level, when fueled, transforms everything, whether it be the players or the game itsel,f through the lens of hostility. In South Asia, no one has promoted hatred more than the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Although Modi’s politics of hate and arrogance suffered a humiliating defeat on May 10, 2025, instead of learning from it, he and his four wicked cronies further fanned the flames of hatred, which the world recently witnessed in the Asia Cricket Cup in Dubai.
Just as winning and losing are part of the game, sportsmanship is an essential moral component of sports. Yet, during the closing moments of the recent Asia Cup cricket tournament, when fans should have seen joy and the dignity of the game, the Indian team adopted such pathetic behaviour that cast a shadow on the beauty of cricket. Refusing to receive the trophy from the chief guest, PCB & ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, was not just a momentary act, but a reflection of a mindset and attitude. Sadly, this mentality has seeped into the Indian cricket board, players, and management. However, Chairman ACC Mohsin Naqvi immediately gave them a fitting response on the spot.
The Indian Cricket Board is considered the world’s wealthiest board but where money brought resources, it also bred arrogance and obstinacy. This attitude is now clearly visible among Indian players. Refusing to accept the trophy, refusing pre- and post-match handshakes and quarrelling with the match referee are proof that the Indian team has disregarded the basic ethics of the sport. While shaking hands is not a law, it is a tradition and part of sportsmanship. Players refusing to shake hands goes against the very spirit of the game. Cricket is called the “Gentlemen’s Game,” but the conduct of Indian players has shown the world that they lack the courage to embrace respect and dignity. This sets a dangerous precedent for the younger generation of cricket because the real lesson of sports is tolerance and mutual respect.
Through arrogance and obstinate behaviour, the Indian team not only violated discipline but also turned the game into a battle of egos. The silence of the Indian team management made matters worse. It was their duty to rein in the players, correct their behaviour, and present a positive image to the world but unfortunately, they too became part of this defiance.
The Asia Cup was not just a cricket tournament; it was an event that could have united countries in the region through sport and taught lessons of tolerance. But the behaviour of the Indian team not only tarnished the reputation of this major event but also turned their country’s representation into embarrassment.
The Asian Cricket Council and International Cricket Council must take strict notice of India’s conduct. If such actions are ignored, the etiquette of sports will die, and cricket will become nothing more than a game of egos.
The Indian players and board must understand that the trophy, the handshake, and respect for the referee are not mere formalities. They are pillars of the greatness of the game. By tearing down these pillars, they are weakening the very foundations of cricket itself.