Pakistan - The toothless arch-rivals of cricket

After another masterclass in dominance, India's decisive seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 has left little room for debate: the "arch-rivals" label for Pakistan is now purely a courtesy title. The match, which saw a boycott by some spectators, was a non-event on the field, with the real drama unfolding at the toss and, more tellingly, after the game. The highlight for Pakistan seemed to be winning the toss, a moment of fleeting triumph before the on-field humiliation began. The customary post-match handshake, which was absent, was a stark testament to the lopsided affair, proving that when the opposition doesn't even feel the need to acknowledge you, you've failed on every conceivable level.

The Pakistani team's performance was a case study in futility. There were no batsmen "holding the fort," nor any bowlers "swinging it both ways" to produce unplayable deliveries—qualities Pakistan once prided itself on. Their players proved to be about as effective as their drones were during Operation Sindoor, an apt comparison given the overall lack of impact. The pre-match bravado from former cricketer Tanvir Ahmed, who ludicrously tipped youngster Saim Ayub to smash six sixes off Jasprit Bumrah, was the biggest joke of the tournament. Ayub, living up to the "naam bade aur darshan chhote" (big name, small showing) adage, not only got a golden duck against India but also against Oman, proving his inability to perform on any stage.

Pakistan's woes weren't confined to their batting. Their so-called mystery spinner, Abrar Ahmed, seemed to have been afflicted with a metaphorical "neck pain" as he produced a wicketless spell. The Indian batters, in a mood to spare no one, took particular pleasure in dismantling their ace pacer, Shaheen Afridi, blasting him for 23 runs in just two overs. Following this latest "miraculous" defeat at the hands of the Indians, the Pakistani side was reportedly seen crying about the lack of a handshake, a pathetic display of prioritizing etiquette over their own abject failure.

This whining is particularly rich considering the pre-existing tensions, inflamed by some Pakistani cricketing figures (Shahid Afridi, we're looking at you) who openly celebrated a glorious defeat during Operation Sindoor with a "road show." The irony is lost on the "Centre of Gravity" creators, who, after yet another loss, expected a handshake and a pat on the back from the victors. In a laughable turn of events, they have now approached the ICC demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, a truly facepalm-worthy moment. They should be thankful that India even deigned to play the match, as this encounter will undoubtedly provide the "forever begging nation" with some much-needed revenue. Honestly, are these matches worth anyone's time anymore? The on-field result suggests not.