Syed Kirmani Syed Kirmani on India-Pakistan Cricket | Cricket news

Kochi: Former Indian Window Guiche Syed Kirmani has chosen not to walk in the current debate to find out if India should continue to play Pakistan in the midst of growing political tensions between the two countries. Instead, the winner of the 1983 World Cup underlined the need to separate policy from sport, describing cricket as a unifying force at the turbulent time. “Politics is global, and it will still be there,” Kirmani told you, who was at the Trinithura Cricket Club to inaugurate the 75th edition of the Cricket Pooja tournament. “But sport brings harmony and unity,” he said. Sunday’s shock in Dubai marked the first meeting in India-Pakistan since diplomatic hostilities intensified as a result of Operation Sindoor in May. The atmosphere surrounding the game reflected this tension, because there was no usual handshake between the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and his Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha after the draw. Kirmani, 75, known for his calm behavior and his commitment to the game, urged criticism not to drag the cricket in politicians. “Comments from the outside will always come, but the players are there to play,” he added. The veteran of 88 tests also expressed his sympathy for the average striker Shreyas Iyer, who was excluded from the team for the current Asian Cup. “Iyer has no chance of missing. He is a talented player who deserves a place. I can identify with him-just as I was abandoned from the team in 1986, despite my form and my experience,” he said. Kirmani’s measured answer reflects a broader feeling among former cricket players who have long recommended sports diplomacy. While the debate is raging, his comments recall that cricket, often nicknamed a religion in the subcontinent, should be considered as a unifying.