World Cup-winning former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani has sharply criticised the apparent decline of sporting spirit in modern cricket, particularly highlighting the politically charged atmosphere of the Asia Cup 2025. Speaking to ANI, Kirmani admitted feeling “ashamed” hearing discussions that intertwined sport with politics during the tournament, which concluded with Suryakumar Yadav’s men lifting the title.
The month-long Asia Cup, held in the UAE, was overshadowed by off-field drama more than cricketing performances. While India dominated proceedings, Pakistan reached the final despite being below par, and Sri Lanka failed to make an impact. However, the tournament attracted global attention for the provocative gestures between India and Pakistan, referencing the military tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack in May.
Indian players maintained their stance of avoiding handshakes with Pakistan throughout the series, a move that sparked debate and criticism. The controversy peaked during the final when India refused to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan Cricket Board chief and a senior minister in the Pakistan government.
Following the snub, Naqvi reportedly walked away with the trophy, denying India the chance to celebrate on the field. Syed Kirmani expressed disappointment at this political intrusion into cricket, saying, “The way cricket is being played all around, there has been no gentleman-ness in the game. There have been very rude, arrogant gestures on the field. I’m ashamed to listen to the comments.”
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He contrasted the current scenario with his era, recalling cordial relations between Indian and Pakistani players despite political tensions. “In our time, cricketers had such wonderful camaraderie – Pakistani players coming to India, us going to Pakistan. What hospitality, what love, what affection. I have to put my head down as a cricketer,” Syed Kirmani said.
#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Former Indian cricketer Syed Kirmani says, “The way cricket is being played all around…, there has been no gentleman-ness in the game. There have been very rude, arrogant gestures on the field… I’m getting messages from all over… The Indian… pic.twitter.com/YkM9P1CMGo
— ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2025
The tension also extended into on-field conduct, notably during the Super 4 clash when Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan made provocative gestures. Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh responded, leading to ICC fines for both sides. Even in the final, handshakes were avoided, and India’s champions were unable to lift the trophy publicly.
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Syed Kirmani concluded that cricket should remain free from political influence. “Whatever has transpired away from the sporting field, leave it there itself. Don’t relate it to your winnings or what you are earning from this great game of cricket,” he urged, reflecting a widespread concern among cricket enthusiasts about the erosion of the gentlemanly spirit in modern-day cricket.
This Asia Cup serves as a stark reminder that while cricket continues to enthral fans, the intrusion of politics and provocative gestures risks overshadowing the true spirit of the game.
