NEW DELHI: Since such “unfathomable” behavior can be interpreted as a “sign of weakness,” former Pakistan captain Moin Khan has advised the nation’s cricket players to refrain from making friends with their Indian counterparts on the field.
His remarks came approximately three weeks prior to the two teams’ Champions Trophy meeting on February 23 in Dubai.
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Moin, a chatty and aggressive wicketkeeper-batter in his heyday, said being friendly with Indian players is something that he finds baffling.
“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,” said the former head coach and chief selector during a podcast hosted by actor Ushna Shah.
“Nowadays, our players’ behaviour when playing against India is unfathomable to me. Even off the field as professionals you have to have certain boundaries,” he asserted.
Moin, who played in numerous on-field conflicts with India, stated that while he did not object to respecting opponent players, he did think it could be detrimental to be too friendly with them.
“Our seniors always told us that when playing against India give no quarter and no need to even talk to them on the field. When you get friendly, they see it as a sign of weakness,” said Moin.
Although he never displayed it on the field, the 53-year-old claimed to have a great deal of respect for some of the Indian players of his time.
“I think our players don’t understand this but being too friendly is seen as a sign of weakness on the field and you automatically come under pressure in your performances,” he said.
One of the greatest regrets of players of his generation, according to Moin, is still not being able to defeat India in a ODI World Cup match.
Moin, who participated in 219 ODIs and 69 Test matches, stated that India and Pakistan are two of the favorites to win the Champions Trophy.