'This game also helps in giving lessons about humanity' - Saqlain Mushtaq on viral picture of Babar Azam, Virat Kohli interacting with each other

The India-Pakistan rivalry is set to be back as the two teams will take on each other on August 28 at the Dubai International Stadium in the Asia Cup 2022 Group A fixtures. While there has been a lot of talk about the intensity of the game, the picture of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli interacting together during a practice session certainly held a special place in the hearts of the fans.

It has to be noted that Kohli and Azam are two of the best batters in the modern era, although the former hasn’t found the form of late. The previous meeting between India and Pakistan was way back in the T20 World Cup 2021 last year and the Men in Blue were thrashed with a ten-wicket victory. Despite the negative feelings and the political tensions between the two nations, the players have managed to maintain respect for each other and former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq recently opined on it.

Yesterday’s picture between Babar and Virat gives a good message: Saqlain Mushtaq

Mushtaq recalled his tweet during an All-star game in 2015 when some of the legends including Sachin Tendulkar, Shane Warne, and he himself took part and were delighted with how India and Pakistan flags were held together. He mentioned various values involved including the unity of people and opined that humanity is a big positive despite the emotions running through. He added the viral picture between Azam and Virat Kohli provides a good message to the fans.

“Some years back, I went to play an All-Star Game, there were top 25 cricketers of the world and we were playing together. Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne got everyone together, that time around, I had put out a tweet. That match was being followed by just Indian and Pakistan cricket fans in America. Both Indian and Pakistan fans had stitched together flags and they were displaying it in unison,” Saqlain said during a media interaction on Thursday.

“I had tweeted then that it is just not cricket and entertainment. It helps people understand so many things, it is bringing everyone together. When we play matches, emotions run high. But this game also helps in giving lessons about humanity. I think yesterday’s picture between Babar and Virat gives a good message,” he added.