New Delhi: The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has long been one of the most intense and eagerly anticipated contests in the sport. Over the years, fans have witnessed heated on-field altercations and verbal exchanges that added to the drama of the encounter. However, in recent times, the fiery aggression that once defined these matches has noticeably faded, with players often sharing friendly moments instead.
Former Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz recently shared his thoughts on why the intensity of India-Pakistan matches has diminished, attributing the shift to stricter International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations.
ICC Regulations Have Curbed Aggression, Says Riaz
Speaking ahead of the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Dubai on Sunday, Riaz reflected on the change in intensity between the two teams. He believes the ICC’s strict rules and regulations have significantly reduced the aggressive interactions that were once common in these high-stakes encounters.
“I believe the ICC’s rules and regulations play a major role. They are very strict about what happens on and off the field. This has cut down on the deep, intense moments where aggression was evident, and players used to engage in heated exchanges. The ICC’s policies have essentially taken that aspect out of the game,” Riaz said while speaking on JioHotstar.
Pakistan’s Struggle with Consistency
As Pakistan gears up to face India, they are under immense pressure to recover from a disappointing 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening match of the tournament. Riaz acknowledged that while the team has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency remains a major concern.
A Crucial Opportunity for Pakistan to Bounce Back
Despite the setback, Riaz remains optimistic about Pakistan’s chances against India. He believes that the match presents a crucial opportunity for the team to turn things around and showcase their true potential.
“They (Pakistan) can definitely bounce back by winning against India. Hopefully, they will put on a strong performance. It’s the perfect platform for them to give their best. The team that manages pressure well and stays in the present moment will come out victorious. Pakistan played well in patches, but they lacked consistency. They haven’t played many ODIs lately, focusing more on T20s,” he added.
Can Pakistan Overcome the Pressure?
With the stakes high and their tournament hopes on the line, Pakistan will need to deliver a disciplined and focused performance against India. Whether they can regain their form and maintain composure under pressure remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the India-Pakistan rivalry continues to captivate cricket fans worldwide.
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