Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan has advised the country’s cricketers to refrain from getting too friendly with their Indian counterparts during matches. According to Moin, such behavior, which he described as “unfathomable,” could be seen as a “sign of weakness.” His remarks come just weeks ahead of the highly anticipated Champions Trophy clash between Pakistan and India, scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
In a recent podcast hosted by actor Ushna Shah, Moin expressed his bewilderment at how Pakistan players, upon meeting Indian batsmen on the field, check their bats, pat them, and engage in friendly conversations. “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,” Moin said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, even off the field.
Moin, known for his aggressive style as a wicketkeeper-batter during his playing days, acknowledged that while respect for opponents is important, excessive friendliness can be detrimental. “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,” Moin added.
Reflecting on his own playing career, Moin revealed that while he respected several Indian players from his generation, he never showed that respect on the field. “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.
Moin, who played 69 Tests and 219 ODIs, also touched on Pakistan’s ongoing struggle to beat India in World Cup matches, calling it one of the biggest regrets of his career. Despite the rivalry, he acknowledged that both Pakistan and India are among the favorites to perform well in the upcoming Champions Trophy.