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[EXCLUSIVE] "Cricket is a massive catalyst between India and Pakistan": Monty Panesar

The Bald Eagle

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In this exclusive PakPassion interview, former England spinner Monty Panesar analyzes India's thrilling victory over Pakistan in the T20 final. The cult hero breaks down Pakistan's dramatic batting collapse, the brilliance of India's spin trio, the rise of new Indian stars, and the unsavoury 'Handshake Gate' incident — and much more.

Key revelations include:

* Pakistan's batting collapse in Asia Cup's final: He highlighted the moment Pakistan's innings unraveled, citing a lack of composure. He observed that "Pakistan lost their way a little bit. They were not calm under pressure," suggesting that their inability to remain steady in a high-stakes situation was the turning point in the match.

* On India's spin dominance
: Panesar praised the bravery of India's spinners, specifically Kuldeep Yadav and his counterparts. He noted, "They have the courage to flight the ball," explaining that this aggressive and confident approach made them exceptionally difficult to play against and contributed significantly to their team's victory.

* Mindset difference: He pointed to the contrasting mindsets of the two teams, praising India's composure under pressure. He stated, "They were calm. They were very calm. They didn't really panic," emphasizing that this unshakeable calmness allowed them to execute their plans effectively and maintain control of the game.

* Praise for Abrar Ahmed:
While discussing the match, he singled out Pakistan's spinner Abrar Ahmed for special recognition. He complimented Ahmed's approach, saying, "He has tremendous courage and so much bravery in his bowling," highlighting his fearless style despite the challenging circumstances.

* On India's cricket strength: Panesar reflected on the continued success of the Indian team, even as key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma transition out of the spotlight. He concluded that "Indian cricket just bounces back," attributing their sustained dominance to a resilient system and a pipeline of new talent.

* Handshake Gate verdict: Panesar weighed in on the controversial post-match incident, offering a strong opinion rooted in the traditions of the sport. His final word on the matter was, "It's a gentleman's game," a clear statement of his belief that sportsmanship and respect should always prevail.

Check the latest interview with Saj below:

 
India Pakistan rivalry can never die until the politics takes over the sport completely... Like GOI refuses to play in ICC and ACC events as well.. That day will be the dark day for sport but until then, it is fine
 
Smith aims bizarre jibe at former spinner Panesar

Stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith aimed a bizarre swipe at former England spinner Monty Panesar on the eve of the first Ashes Test.

Panesar, who played 50 Tests between 2006 and 2013, said last week England should make Smith feel "guilty" about his part in the 'Sandpapergate' scandal of 2018.

Smith was sacked as captain as a result of the ball-tampering episode against South Africa and it is often used by England fans as a taunt to the 36-year-old.

In what appeared to be an arranged set-up between Smith and a journalist, a question about Panesar's comments was posed within two minutes of the pre-match news conference at Perth Stadium.

Smith responded by referring to Panesar's appearance in 2019 on BBC TV show Celebrity Mastermind, when he managed only one correct answer in the general knowledge round. The left-arm spinner had correctly answered six questions on Sikhism and its history in the specialist subject round.

"I'm going to go off topic here," said Smith. "Who of you in the room has seen Mastermind, and Monty Panesar on that? Any of you?

"Those of you that have will understand where I'm coming from. If you haven't, do yourself a favour because it is pretty comical.

"Anyone who believes that Athens is in Germany, Oliver Twist is a season of the year, and America is a city, it doesn't really bother me those comments. That's as far as I'll go with that one."

One of the most eagerly anticipated Ashes series in recent memory begins on Friday.

Until Smith's bite at Panesar, players on both teams had refrained from involvement in hostility towards each other.

The West Australian newspaper has been baiting the England team since they arrived in Perth.

Thursday's front page labelled the tourists "arrogant Bazballing Poms".

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, England coach Brendon McCullum said the hype around the series is "pretty cool".

Smith is standing in for regular skipper Pat Cummins, who is missing the first Test with a back injury.

For the Australia captain to turn his attention to Panesar the day before such a huge Test series begins was an odd turn of events, and the most memorable line in a 17-minute address of the media.

In 2024, Panesar announced his attention to stand as an MP in the general election for the Workers Party of Britain, only to pull out a week later.

BBC
 

'I made mistakes on TV, he made his on a field'​


Former England spinner Monty Panesar has responded to Steve Smith's bizarre swipe at him by saying he made his mistakes "on a quiz show", while the stand-in Australia captain "made his on a cricket field".

Speaking on the eve of the first Ashes Test in Perth, Smith ridiculed Panesar, saying anyone who thought "Athens is in Germany" or "Oliver Twist is a season" should not be taken seriously.

He was referring to the spinner's appearance on BBC TV show Celebrity Mastermind in 2019, when Panesar managed only one correct answer in the general knowledge round.

But referring again to the ball-tampering scandal against South Africa in 2018 that led to Smith's sacking as Australian captain, Panesar told Radio 5 Live: "I've had some great moments for England and I've had shockers, and he's had some great moments for Australia and he's obviously had a very big shocker in South Africa.

"We've both made mistakes. I made mine on a quiz show, he made his on a cricket field."

The spat followed comments to a gambling website from the 43-year-old last week on how England should make Smith feel "guilty" about his part in the 'Sandpapergate' incident, where Australia's "leadership group" had a plan, carried out by Cameron Bancroft, to tamper with the ball to "get an advantage".

Smith, 36, has often been taunted by fans over the scandal.

And he brought up Panesar's Mastermind episode, calling it "pretty comical", when responding to the ex-bowler's views.

"Anyone who believes that Athens is in Germany, Oliver Twist is a season of the year, and America is a city, it doesn't really bother me those comments," Smith said in his pre-match news conference.

With Pat Cummins out with a back injury, Smith will lead Australia in the first Test, which begins at Perth Stadium on Friday.

And Panesar, who played 50 Tests between 2006 and 2013, added: "What makes it more sort of pleasing is that the night before the Test match, he's watching my Mastermind clips, memorising the questions and the answers.

"And it kind of feels like England are already in his head and I can rattle the Aussies from sitting on my sofa."

Panesar admitted he was "surprised" by Smith's decision to bring up his appearance on Celebrity Mastermind, saying he expected a more measured response from the Australian batsman.

The 43-year-old had correctly answered six questions on Sikhism and its history in the specialist subject round of the show.

"I think everyone from my media friends, to everyone in the media, have said they couldn't believe Smith kind of responded in that way," added Panesar.

"I thought everyone thought it would have been just a bit more, 'right it's OK, yeah fine, I cheated, it's not a problem, I've moved on from that, it's not an issue'.

"But because he's done it in this way, I think he's kind of opened up now for the England boys to really sort of go hard at him, play a few mind games with him and that could be the difference where he gets out early.

"And suddenly they'll be sort of saying thanks Monty for just trying to engage in that conversation, of maybe seeing if you talk about sandpaper will it make him feel a little bit guilty or not?

"Look, I know I'm guilty of bad general knowledge but not ball-tampering. And I'll take that everyday."

Luton-born Panesar, who played for Sussex, Essex and Northamptonshire in his county career, was part of the England side that won the 2009 Ashes series.

In 2024, he announced his intention to stand as an MP in the general election for the Workers Party of Britain, only to pull out a week later.


 
Monty is generally lacking in the brain cells department, but Smith quite clearly going back and watching a 6 year old episode of mastermind to find quotes to hit back at him with because of a media comment is a bit embarrassing on his part...
 
India Pakistan rivalry can never die until the politics takes over the sport completely... Like GOI refuses to play in ICC and ACC events as well.. That day will be the dark day for sport but until then, it is fine

Will never happen. Amit and Jay Shah will crash a Rafale by themselves if it means they can have a quasi 3-T20 series via the Asia Cup.
 
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