Cuttack: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his views on the ongoing handshake controversy during the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash, where Indian players chose not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts before and after the match.
Pathan emphasized that such decisions are made in full coordination with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government.
“The cricketers, BCCI, and the government of India are aligned. Everything depends on the situation, and it is also an individual decision,” Pathan said.
He added that while the controversy has grabbed headlines, the Indian team’s on-field performance remains the bigger story.
“The Indian team is playing very well. All the controversy is on one hand, and the way the team is progressing is on the other,” he noted.
The choice not to shake hands was made as a mark of respect for the families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack.
Pathan also praised the Odisha Pro T20 League, organized by the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), calling it a vital platform for nurturing young talent in the state.
“This will provide opportunities to many young players and benefit Odisha cricket greatly. I hope many of them reach the top level,” he said.
The Odisha Pro T20 League is scheduled to begin on September 17, featuring six teams and 18 matches, with Pathan and Odisha’s own Debashish Mohanty serving as ambassadors.
