India and Pakistan rivalry in cricket always makes heads turn whenever they are tussling against each other on the sporting field. But on some occasions the rivalry rubs on the players and becomes a personal affair which draws back to off- field scuffles. One such rivalry is that of former India pacer, Irfan Pathan and former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi.

Pathan in his recent interview shared why he has no respect for Afridi personally and cited incidents where he had had an upper hand on the field regards to the unlinkening of each other. He also narrated an incident dating back to 2006 tour of Pakistan, where Afridi went personal in his attack. Former Pakistan spinner, Danish Kaneria seconded this thought by Pathan and agreed that Afridi resorts to such behaviors all the time.

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“Irfan @IrfanPathan bhai, you’re absolutely right. He always resorts to personal attacks—be it on someone’s family or their religion. Class and decency clearly aren’t his strengths," Kaneria tweeted.

Here's Kaneria's tweet: 

Irfan @IrfanPathan bhai, you’re absolutely right. He always resorts to personal attacks—be it on someone’s family or their religion. Class and decency clearly aren’t his strengths.pic.twitter.com/nWOEA3vz49

— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) August 17, 2025

India and Pakistan set to play each other

India and Pakistan are set to play each other in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Both the teams are placed in Group A of the tournament alongside Hong-Kong and UAE. The tournament is scheduled to commence on September 9 and India will play Pakistan on September 14. The match will be held amidst the calls for boycott post India and Pakistan war that broke out around May 2025.

Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khusdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufyan Moqim.

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has heaped praise on the Indian team for their spirited performance in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, reserving special admiration for young skipper Shubman Gill. India may not have clinched the series, but coming from behind to draw 2-2 has earned admiration from fans and cricket experts across the globe.

What made India’s campaign especially remarkable was that they achieved this in the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with Jasprit Bumrah only being available for a limited number of games. Shubman Gill, leading a very young team, stepped up and produced one of the best batting performances we've seen in a long time. Gill amassed 754 runs in the series, topping the charts, and in the process, notched up four centuries in SENA countries after previously having none. England coach Brendon McCullum named him the Player of the Series.

“Incredible — Test cricket at its absolute best,” Kaneria said, as quoted by TOI. “There’s nothing that compares to the demands of Test cricket. It tests every ounce of a player's physical and mental toughness over five days. This young Indian team, without Rohit and Virat, performed unbelievably under Shubman Gill’s leadership. He carried the team on his shoulders and scored over 700 runs; it’s simply outstanding.”

Siraj hailed for resilience; Akash Deep’s knock called the turning point

Danish Kaneria didn’t stop at just lauding Gill. He also reserved high praise for Mohammed Siraj, whose resilience and commitment helped India fight back when all seemed lost. Despite being under pressure after a series of missteps, including a dropped catch at The Oval, Siraj roared back into form with a match-winning five-wicket haul. “Mohammed Siraj is a true lionheart. His commitment to the team is unmatched,” Kaneria said. “To play all five Tests, all of which went the distance, and to bowl with the same intensity shows his incredible fitness and passion. He carried the pace attack on his shoulders.”

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Kaneria further credited key batting efforts in India’s series-leveling win. “The turning point, in my opinion, was Akash Deep’s 66. Those runs gave India a much-needed boost,” he remarked. “Jaiswal’s attacking century, along with late-order runs from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, played a major role in sealing the win.”

Former Indian players walked out of the game against Pakistan Champions in the World Champions League 2025 citing country first aspect after tensions between two countries escalated due the recently concluded war. As it stands out, the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 schedule is out and India might play Pakistan in the tournament. 

After the news of the same surfaced, former Pakistan spinner, Danish Kaneria has remarked that Indian players boycotted WCL and are ready to play against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025. For the unversed, players such as Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan, and Yusuf Pathan were among the players who pulled out the game against Pakistan Champions in WCL 2025. 

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“Indian players boycotted WCL and called it national duty. But now Asia Cup vs Pakistan is just fine? If cricket with Pakistan is okay, then WCL should’ve been too. Stop using patriotism when it suits you. Let sport be sport — not propaganda,” Kaneria tweeted. 

Indian players boycotted WCL and called it national duty. But now Asia Cup vs Pakistan is just fine? If cricket with Pakistan is okay, then WCL should’ve been too. Stop using patriotism when it suits you. Let sport be sport — not propaganda.

— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) July 26, 2025

Asia Cup 2025 schedule

September 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong

September 10: India vs UAE

September 11: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong

September 12: Pakistan vs Oman

September 13: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka

September 14: India vs Pakistan

September 15: UAE vs Oman

September 15: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong

September 16: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan

September 17: Pakistan vs UAE

September 18: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan

September 19: India vs Oman

Super 4 stage:

September 20: B1 vs B2

September 21: A1 vs A2

September 23: A2 vs B1

September 24: A1 vs B2

September 25: A2 vs B2

September 26: A1 vs B1

FINAL: September 28

Following the horrific terror attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26, Fancode, an Indian sports streaming platform, has suspended the live streaming of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 immediately. The decision parallels the growing public anger and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan following the attack. Fancode became one of the first private organizations in India to stop coverage of the PSL, which would apply to the national sentiment of zero tolerance towards terrorism.

The gruesome attack took place at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, and the armed attack against tourists is being noted as one of the deadliest attacks since the 2019 Pulwama attack, which, if you can recall, killed 40 CRPF and shook the country. The new tragedy has reignited many memories of Pulwama, and calls for counter-terrorism actions are growing, and faster, visibly, actions from both the government and private sectors are now critical.

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At a recent public rally in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke passionately and forcefully to the country, denouncing the attack and promising that action would be taken. Modi's comments were met with widespread support across the nation, which reaffirmed the government's very strong position against terrorism. The Prime Minister suggested that strong diplomatic, military, and regulatory actions would be taken in the future. Fancode’s suspension of PSL broadcasts of the PSL demonstrates and is a huge step in how India’s private sector is now aligning with the government's tough stance against cross-border terrorism.

Danish Kaneria blames PM Shehbaz Sharif after Pahalgam attack

Danish Kaneria, a former leg-spinner for Pakistan and one of the few Hindu players to represent the country, publicly criticized the Pakistani government for not denouncing the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. In a social media post through X, Kaneria noted that Pakistan was a place for terrorism and questioned PM Shehbaz Sharif's silence, sparking significant conversations locally and internationally.

Kaneria also rebuked the military and political class of the state, claiming the high alert after the attack may mean they already knew or should have known. Kaneria went on to mention that his rebuke isn't aimed at the Pakistani people, but at the leaders who he claims have it easy while the people live with the threat of terrorism, and claim to be victims of terrorism too, and are further victimized by their leaders in action or indirect actions in allowing such events to take place.

Danish Kaneria, former leg spinner from Pakistan and one of only a few Hindu cricketers to play for Pakistan, has received mixed responses and ignited a strong discussion by publicly criticizing the Pakistani government after the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed, followed by condemnation from across the world — but not from Pakistan. Kaneria’s clear condemnation has ruffled feathers both nationally and internationally.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Pakistan leg spinner chastised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for not condemning the attack of terror. He went on to accuse Pakistan of being a safe haven for terrorist organizations and indirectly making such events happen. "Why doesn't PM Sharif condemn the Pahalgam attack?” he asked publicly. In his tweet, he not only grieved for the lives lost but also condemned the state's role in allowing everyone to understand that it is OK for them to use terrorism across the line.

Kaneria went on to push the issue further, mentioning the high alert provided by the military after the attack. He suggested that there would be some knowledge of prior action or at least some level of understanding of the danger, showing there was an underlying issue in the state systems. He made it clear, however, that his denunciations do not encompass the people of Pakistan, many of whom are (in his view) victims of terrorism themselves, but the political and military elite that allow these actions to continue through their inaction or covert support.

I am not speaking against Pakistan or its people. The Awam of Pakistan have suffered the most at the hands of terrorism. They deserve leadership that stands for peace, not one that shelters terrorists or stays silent when innocents are murdered.

I once wore Pakistan’s jersey… https://t.co/CDf17g0pkz

— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) April 24, 2025

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Diplomatic Fallout and National Reckoning

In the wake of the Pahalgam tragedy, India has responded appropriately with diplomatic measures, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting the Attari-Wagah border, and watching the movement of Pakistani nationals. Kaneria's words only provide a global perspective on the Pakistani role and further international scrutiny, which will only bolster India's credibility regarding Pakistan's role in regional instability. Kaneria's comments carry more weight because they come from someone who wore the Pakistani colors on a global stage, not a traditional political leader. 

The voice of Danish Kaneria offers a unique insider credibility and his critique of Pakistan's counterterrorism position. By refusing to remain silent selfishly, particularly as a minority voice in a precarious public environment, he has reignited discussions regarding accountability, reform, and complicit moral responsibilities in the absence of civic responsibility of public figures. In other words, by standing up, he holds not only Pakistan but the world to account for uncomfortable truths about state terrorism and the tragedy of silence.

After Suryakumar Yadav orchestrated Team India’s impressive victory over New Zealand, the former cricketer from Pakistan lashed out at the Indian selection committee. Suryakumar Yadav led Team India to a comfortable victory over New Zealand in the second Twenty20 International on Sunday, when Hardik Pandya and co. scored 65 runs to defeat the hosts. 

Suryakumar scored a century to help Team India, without Rohit Sharma, take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval after being promoted to the No. 3 batting position. For his batting masterclass against the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-finalists, the fit batter won Player of the Match. Suryakumar gave the impression that he is getting closer to making his eagerly anticipated Test debut after leading Team India to an impressive victory over the team led by Kane Williamson.

The 32-year-old batter has just featured for India in 13 One Day Global (ODIs) and 41 T20Is

Danish Kaneria, a former Pakistani cricketer, claimed that the Indian think tank wasted the top-ranked batter’s crucial cricketing years by giving Suryakumar a late opportunity.

“The Indian selectors wasted Suryakumar Yadav’s five years. However, he has made up for the lost time, proving his mettle at the highest level with consistent performances. Everywhere we look, each and every expert is talking about Suryakumar today,”

the former Pakistan cricketer shared his views on YouTube.

In the penultimate match of the three-match series, India hammered New Zealand, and top-ranked batter Suryakumar remained unbeaten on 111 off 52 balls.It is anticipated that the fit batter will end the New Zealand series with the most runs scored.In the third and final T20I of the bilateral series on Tuesday, the swashbuckling batter will lead the batting charge for the team without Virat Kohli.

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“The beast mode of Suryakumar Yadav continues. He picked up before the T20 World Cup, continued the same during the World Cup, and is now doing the same in New Zealand. He was phenomenal. The way he bats, there is no corner of the ground that he doesn’t utilize. There has never been a player in world cricket who has hit shots like these. The bowlers tend to look completely helpless against his onslaught,”

Kaneria added.

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria said India have a better chance against arch-rivals opponents Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2022 clash. The continental tournament will start off on August 27 with hosts Sri Lanka taking on Afghanistan in Dubai.

The big-ticket match will be India versus Pakistan on August 28 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The two teams will meet after 10 months since Pakistan’s earnest 10-wicket victory in the T20 World Cup last year in October.

India has seen many changes like a new captain or coach. Numerous youngsters have been given chances to play bilateral series.

India won’t look back and will come more grounded in the continental event. Pakistan will also be determined to win the event and unlock the accomplishment of winning the title in the T20 format.

A few players from the two sides are on the injury list: Danish Kaneria

Kaneria brought up a short list of injured players from both sides who are probably going to have an effect in the high power conflict.

“It is a bit early to say. I want to see KL Rahul’s form in the Zimbabwe series because he is coming back from injury. Then there is a question on Rohit Sharma who is recovering from his back injury. In the Pakistan team, Naseem Shah was limping around with his knee injury as well and then Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fitness issue. There are few players from both sides who are on the injury list,”

Kaneria told India Today.

India has 60% opportunities to win as a result of their bowling strength: Danish Kaneria

The former Pakistan spinner noted India has an extraordinary bowling blend rather than Pakistan’s. Kaneria said however pace bowler Shaheen Afridi Pakistan don’t have a certifiable wicket-picking choice right now.

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“For now, India have that impact, they can come back because they have been playing a good amount of T20 cricket. So 60 per cent to India and 40 per cent to Pakistan. 60 per cent to India because of their bowling strength, India’s spin bowling is good with world-class Ravichandran Ashwin, (Ravi) Bishnoi, (Yuzvendra) Chahal, (Ravindra) Jadeja. And fast bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh, who can do wonders for team India. Pakistan have to look into their bowling department, if there is no Shaheen Shah Afridi then who will be coming in for him?”

Kaneria said

India are presently playing Zimbabwe in a three-match ODI series in Harare, while Pakistan are locked in with the Netherlands in the 50-over format in Rotterdam.

Sri Lanka’s World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga attracted attention with his controversial comment about the Indian cricket team after some time Danish Kaneria’s Honest Statement amazes Everyone, but Ranatunga disapproved by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and raised questions at the board for allowing India to send a ‘second-string’ team to play cricket. The board did not take kindly to Ranatunga’s comments and responded to him saying: ‘India is not a second-string side’.

The statement of Arjuna Ranatunga had recently termed the Shikhar Dhawan-led unit as a ‘second string’ team besides adding that the Sri Lankan board should not have agreed to play with a relatively ‘understrength’ team,

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On this matter Pakistan’s Leg Spinner Danish Kaneria has Scolded Ranatunga with his honest statement With a large pool of promising players, it would be unfair to call the current team in Sri Lanka ‘second-string’ or even a ‘B team’ for that matter. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, and others are experienced campaigners, representing India for the last five years and more.

He also added that honestly such a disgraceful comment was not even expected from a living legend like him.

Danish Kaneria’s Honest Statement

“First of all, Mr. Ranatunga. You have made this statement to remain in limelight. Because only India is a team right now that has a pool of 50-60 players, strong enough to field two different sides. And even in this team, players such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik Pandya keep representing India consistently,” Kaneria said on his YouTube channel.

“So I just want to say that I feel sorry to hear this coming from you. You’re such a big name and yet, you made such a statement and then fell flat on your face with Sri Lanka Cricket responding to you.”

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“Sri Lanka cricket is on a decline. It’s almost as of they’ve forgotten how to play cricket. You should be happy that India is sending its team to lift you out of the financial crisis. The board will get sponsors, funds, and whatnot,” Kaneria explained.

“Don’t think such a statement was needed. These things only create friction between boards. I think Ranatunga must have learned his lesson or when India would hammer Sri Lanka comprehensively, then he’ll understand.”

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Friday issued a statement, saying the current India team which is there in the Island Nation to play three ODIs and three T20Is is a “strong squad”. This clarification from SLC comes on the very day when former Sri Lanka skipper Arjuna Ranatunga criticized the board for letting India send their ”second-string” team while the main team stayed back in England to play the Test series which commences in August.

“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that despite claims by various parties as reported in the Media, the National White-Ball team of India currently touring Sri Lanka is a strong squad (SLC). Out of the 20-member India squad, 14 players have represented India across all formats or in some form. (Test, ODI, or T20I), and not a ‘second-string team’, as claimed,” SLC said in an official statement.

On top of this irresponsive behavior Danish honestly adds his personal opinion that when the New Team India will hammer SLC, then Ranatunga will understand that there is no second string in team India as it is currently the only them with 50-60 strong players who are very valuable.

Surely this series in Sri Lanka comes with many possibilities but we cricket fans would love to see who will true at the end, even if it was a personal statement of Ranatunga but it is getting very interesting let’s see what lies up ahead at the end of limited ODI series.

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