Former captain questions Pakistan’s ‘too friendly’ approach against India

Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan has criticised the national team’s overly friendly attitude towards the players of India on the field, calling it “unfathomable” and a “sign of weakness.”

Speaking on a local show, Moin didn’t hold back his disappointment over how modern-day cricketers interact with their Indian counterparts during high-pressure matches.

“I just don’t get it when I watch Pakistan and India matches these days, as Indian players come into the crease, our players check their bats, pat them, have a friendly talk,” he said.

Moin Khan stressed the importance of maintaining “certain boundaries” as professionals, revealing that in his playing days, seniors always advised them to stay focused and avoid unnecessary interactions.

“When you get too friendly, they see it as a sign of weakness,” he warned.

The former wicketkeeper-batter also admitted that one of his biggest regrets was never beating India in a World Cup match.

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It’s worth noting that the arch-rivals Pakistan and India are set to lock horns in the much-anticipated clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 23 in Dubai.

The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off in Karachi on 19 February, while the final is scheduled for 9 March.

The eight-team tournament will consist of 15 matches over 19 days and will take place in Pakistan and Dubai.

In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will be the three venues to host tournament play. Each Pakistan venue will feature three group games apiece, with Lahore hosting the second semi-final.

Lahore will also host the final on 9 March, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai. Both the semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

READ: Former pacer warns about decline of fast bowling in Pakistan