[EXCLUSIVE] "Indian players would be treated like kings if they come to Pakistan": Atiq-uz-Zaman

[BouncerGuy]

In the latest episode of PakPassion exclusive interviews, Saj talks with ECB Qualified Level 4 Coach Atiq-uz-Zaman to discuss the hot topic of the ICC Champions Trophy and more.

Atiq opined that the BCCI is trying to resort to 'blackmail' Pakistan by refusing to send its team to Pakistan for the mega event. He also added that if there was any political issue, India shouldn't have hosted Pakistan last year in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

The main topics covered in this interview are:

Cricket as a Unifying Force: He emphasized that cricket should bridge divides and promote unity over political tensions.

Political Motivations in Indian Cricket: Pointed out that national pride in India often overshadows the true spirit of the game, hindering cricketing relations.

The Integrity of the PCB: Advocated for the PCB to maintain its dignity by rejecting a hybrid model for tournaments amid political pressures.

Impact on Fans and Popularity of Cricket: Expressed concern that the lack of India-Pakistan matches could diminish fan engagement and the sport's popularity.

Future of Bilateral Relations in Sports: Suggested reassessing future matches if India continues to avoid playing Pakistan, indicating a need for adaptive strategies in sports diplomacy.

Watch the full interview here:

 

[MenInG]

Atiq on point as usual but the fact is that the strings are being pulled by the Indian Gov, regardless of how welcome the players will be in Pakistan

 

[BouncerGuy]

BCCI does not care about cricket. They are just following what their GOV is saying and it has nothing to do with cricket. It is more of a political stuff rather than real stuff that makes sense.

People here in Pakistan would love to watch Indian team playing in Lahore. The craze will be touching sky.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

I am sure, Indian players would be happy to visit Pakistan but it's their board's politics that is holding them back

 

[mb3407]

Didn't one of the PCB chairman openly called the Indian team "Dushman Mulk" and another player said that matches against India were like "Jihad" for him. So all this is superficial and pretentious by Pakistanis and not the truth that is in their heart. That's my opinion.

 

[khyberlion]

He's right. Our public are shameless. They have no self respect.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Didn't one of the PCB chairman openly called the Indian team "Dushman Mulk" and another player said that matches against India were like "Jihad" for him. So all this is superficial and pretentious by Pakistanis and not the truth that is in their heart. That's my opinion.

Didn't your extremists give threats to the Pakistan team before the 2023 ODI World Cup? So should they have labeled all of India as terrorists and boycotted the tournament?

 

[jnaveen1980]

I have no disagreement there. They will be treated well. Especially kohli.

 

[mb3407]

Didn't your Hindutva extremists give threats to the Pakistan team before the 2023 ODI World Cup? So should they have labeled all of India as terrorists and boycotted the tournament?

I said in context of cricket only. Not the place to discuss terrorism we can discuss that in some other place.

In cricket context:
The comments were made by a "PCB chairman" and former "Pakistan cricket captain" and former PM Imran Khan and not some random anonymous people.

Also Indians did not say that pakistani cricketers will be treated as kings in India so your entire post is emotional as well as baseless.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Also Indians did not say that pakistani cricketers will be treated as kings in India so your entire post is emotional as well as baseless.

Yeah I know because everyone is well aware of the hospitality level in India so there's nothing to complain about.

 

[mb3407]

Yeah I know because everyone is well aware of the hospitality level in India so there's nothing to complain about.

Everyone is aware of Pakistani hospitality. That's a part PCB finds itself where it is