Mohammed Hafeez has called for the return of true sportsmanship during India vs Pakistan matches as the drama of the boycott comes to an end. Hafeez also said that he does not want to watch the match between the arch-rivals if it is played the same way during the 2025 Asia Cup.
India and Pakistan have played each other three times during last year’s tournament in the UAE and all three games were marred by controversial incidents and statements from both camps. India adopted a no-handshake policy with their arch-rivals before and after the match in a show of solidarity with the Indian Army and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Players from both camps were punished for their actions during matches and comments, culminating in India’s decision not to receive the trophy from PCB chairman and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi. In an interview on Tapmad Hafeez said that he is in favor of India vs Pakistan games and wants it to happen regularly.
The former Pakistan captain wants to see both rivals play the match in the right spirit. Hafeez said he doesn’t want to watch the match on February 15 if he is in the same form as the Asia Cup ones.
“Whenever India-Pakistan match is talked about, I have always been in favor of it because this is the match, the rivalry that inspires the whole world. I really hope that match happens – God willing. And it is not just about this one match. I am not alone in this match. I want India-Pakistan matches to be played routinely and politics to stay away from it forever.”
“Both countries should be allowed to play their full role in developing and spreading the game and cricket should never stop because of politics. Secondly, whatever scenario emerges regarding the India-Pakistan match, we must always maintain the integrity and spirit of the game at the highest level. Whenever this match is played – if it happens on the 15th – it should be played with complete sportsmanship.”
“We don’t want matches like the Asia Cup. If it’s going to be played like that, frankly, I’d rather not watch it at all,” Hafeez said.
IND-PAK BOYKOTT DRAMA ENDS
The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026 will be played as scheduled, with the Pakistani government backing away from its earlier boycott after talks with ICC officials. The decision paves the way for Pakistan to face India on February 15.
The turnaround followed an extended round of discussions involving representatives of the Pakistan Cricket Board, the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the ICC, who sought to persuade Pakistan to reconsider its stance on skipping the tents – widely seen as the tournament’s biggest commercial draw.
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Published on:
February 10, 2026