Rashid Latif: Keep Politics Out of the Cricket Field

Cricket between India and Pakistan has always been more than a sport. It is a rivalry steeped in history, emotion, and passion. Every clash is watched by millions around the globe, and every ball bowled carries the weight of national pride. Yet, beyond the thrill of fours, sixes, and wickets, there lies another story — how political tensions often creep into the game.

Former Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has once again raised his voice on this issue, urging both nations to draw a line between politics and cricket. His statement — “Keep politics out of the cricket field” — came in response to recent controversies that unfolded after a high-stakes India–Pakistan encounter.

The Spark Behind Latif’s Remarks

After a recent clash, discussions flared up over reports that Indian players allegedly avoided customary post-match handshakes with the Pakistani side. While it may have seemed like a minor gesture, the absence of such traditions quickly grabbed headlines.

Latif, known for his candid opinions, strongly criticised the move. To him, skipping a handshake was not just about sportsmanship, but also about allowing political grievances to overshadow the spirit of the game. He made it clear that disputes over borders or territories should not spill onto cricket grounds.

The Role of Sportsmanship

Handshakes, applauding opponents, and mutual respect are the foundations of cricket’s identity as the “gentleman’s game.” Latif argued that when players fail to show such courtesies, they risk turning cricket into a mirror of political conflicts.

For decades, cricketers from both nations have displayed respect beyond rivalry. Fans still recall moments when Wasim Akram offered guidance to young Indian pacers, or when Indian legends like Tendulkar and Dravid praised Pakistani talent. These gestures remind us that while politics divides, cricket can unite.

Latif’s concern is that ignoring such traditions sends the wrong message to younger generations of fans and cricketers.

Cricket as a Bridge, Not a Battlefield

Latif’s words hold weight because cricket has often played the role of a peace ambassador. From the 1987 “cricket diplomacy” series to ICC tournaments that brought the two sides together despite strained relations, the game has been one of the few platforms for people-to-people connection.

By allowing political differences to affect player behavior, this bridge risks collapsing. Latif stressed that cricket should remain a battlefield of skill, not politics. Matches should be about runs, wickets, and strategies — not about unresolved disputes.

Fan Reactions to the Controversy

The incident and Latif’s reaction triggered heated debates among fans.

Pakistani supporters largely praised his comments, saying that their players deserved respect regardless of the match result.

Indian fans were divided: some defended their team by pointing out the emotional intensity of Indo-Pak games, while others admitted that avoiding a handshake was unsporting.

The media, too, dissected the issue. Analysts highlighted that Indo-Pak matches magnify even small gestures. In another series, such behavior might have gone unnoticed, but in this rivalry, everything becomes symbolic.

Why Latif’s Words Matter

Latif’s statement is not just about one match. It is about the bigger picture: the responsibility of players as ambassadors of their nations. With millions of eyes watching, their actions — no matter how small — shape narratives.

When a player skips a handshake, it doesn’t just look like a simple oversight. It sends a message, intentional or not, that can fuel narratives of hostility. Latif reminded everyone that players must rise above politics and remember they are role models first.

Moving Beyond Controversy

So, how can cricket avoid becoming entangled with politics? Latif’s viewpoint provides a roadmap:

Respect the Traditions

Post-match courtesies such as handshakes and mutual applause should be non-negotiable. They are not just rituals but reflections of professionalism.

Maintain Professionalism in Rivalry

Intense competition should not blur the line between passion and disrespect. Players must carry themselves with dignity, win or lose.

Educate the Next Generation

Young cricketers should be trained not only in technique but also in values like respect, humility, and grace — values that transcend political divides.

Use Cricket as Diplomacy, Not Division

Instead of letting tensions seep into cricket, nations should use it as a soft power tool. Joint matches, tours, and leagues can foster goodwill that politics often fails to achieve.

The Bigger Message

Latif’s call to “keep politics out of the cricket field” resonates beyond the Indo-Pak context. Around the world, sport has too often been dragged into political disputes. Whether it is boycotts, anthem protests, or players carrying political messages on the field, the essence of sport risks being lost.

Cricket, with its rich culture of fairness, has the potential to stand above such conflicts. By preserving its traditions and values, it can remain a stage where rivalries are settled by skill, not politics.

Conclusion

Rashid Latif’s criticism of India over the handshake controversy may have ruffled feathers, but his underlying message is hard to ignore. Cricket is meant to unite, inspire, and entertain. It should not serve as a substitute battlefield for political disagreements.

The India–Pakistan rivalry will always carry immense weight. But if players remember that they are custodians of the sport’s dignity, cricket can remain a beacon of respect and professionalism. A handshake at the end of a match may seem like a small gesture, but it represents something much bigger — the belief that even in fierce competition, respect should never be lost.