By Anurag Kumar

Copyright timesnownews

New Delhi: Ever since Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat in the ongoing Asia Cup at the hands of India, their former cricketers have been having a field day, not just on TV studios but also on social media. While their own ex-players have gone on an all-out attack on their current players for lacking the steel to face any formidable cricketing side, many big names like Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi have also voiced their anger at India’s decision to avoid the formal handshake after the match concluded. Former cricketer Shahid Afridi blamed the current Indian government for the strained India-Pakistan relations, hailing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the one who has a more “positive” outlook to tackle the situation. Afridi’s praise for Rahul Gandhi stems from the tough stance that India has taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi when it comes to dealing with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. India has maintained that there will be no bilateral sports between the two nations until there is an end to terrorism. The ex-Pak cricketer, in a TV debate, said, “If I talk about Rahul Gandhi, he has a very positive mindset.” “He (Rahul) wants to move ahead, taking along everyone through dialogue,” he added. Also Read: Pakistan Might Take U-Turn After ICC’s Rejection; Asia Cup 2025 Boycott Unlikely – Report Meanwhile, on Sunday, Team India crushed Pakistan in a league match of the ongoing Asia Cup by 7 wickets. Furthermore, captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team refused to go for a customary handshake in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people lost their lives. During the presentation ceremony after the match, Yadav dedicated the victory over Pakistan to the families of the victims of Pahalgam, expressing solidarity with the armed forces. The move triggered a barrage of reactions from Pakistan and its former players. Pakistan also demanded the sacking of match referee Andy Pycroft, threatening to boycott the Asia Cup. However, the ICC has dismissed Pakistan’s request, and for now, it seems our neighbour will take a U-turn on their threat and continue their participation in the tournament.