During their practice sessions at Dubai’s ICC Academy, Indian cricketers have been instructed to keep their distance from Pakistani net bowlers. This move follows a recent controversy surrounding Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, who was photographed shaking hands with Asian Cricket Council and Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi at the Asia Cup trophy unveiling. The image went viral, sparking a strong backlash from Indian media and putting pressure on the team.
At the ICC Academy, net bowlers from various countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India, usually assist teams during practice. In the past, these bowlers were often seen taking photographs with star players like Virat Kohli. However, this time, the Indian team management has prohibited such interactions, instructing players not to engage in casual conversations or take photos with Pakistani bowlers.
To enforce these instructions, the net bowlers are asked to hand over their mobile phones before practice, which are returned only after the session concludes. Observers suggest that this decision reflects increasing political pressure and rising “war hysteria” in India, which is now influencing the behavior of players on the field. What used to be a neutral and friendly environment at the ICC Academy has now become overshadowed by growing tensions.
