The atmosphere surrounding the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash in Dubai was already charged, marked by heated on-field confrontations and a persistent ‘no-handshake’ controversy. However, events unfolding on Pakistani television during the match left many fans utterly stunned.
A clip from a talk show quickly went viral, showing the presenter asking a disturbing question: ‘Sir, if our boys here take lives, can we win?’ To this, a panelist responded with a laugh, stating, ‘In my opinion, either do this or some boys should just start firing here, end the match, because it’s confirmed we will lose.’ This casual suggestion of using violence to prematurely stop the game has been widely denounced online as both disgraceful and shameful.
The program also featured former Pakistani cricketers Basit Ali and Kamran Akmal as experts. The incident has further embarrassed Pakistan cricket, particularly at a time when the team itself is struggling on the field.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, Abhishek Sharma delivered a masterclass with a powerful yet elegant 74 runs off just 39 balls, setting the pace alongside his childhood friend Shubman Gill in a crucial 105-run opening partnership. India comfortably chased down the target of 172, securing a six-wicket victory with seven balls to spare. The match itself was not without its intense moments, as Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf attempted to provoke the Indian batters, necessitating intervention from cricket legend Gautam Gambhir and the umpires to de-escalate the situation.
Instead of focusing on the sport, Pakistan now finds itself in the news for all the wrong reasons once again. From Haris Rauf’s fighter jet celebration to this appalling TV discussion about stopping games with bullets, many fans are left questioning whether the true spirit of sportsmanship remains the priority.