Mohammed Shami's unfiltered opinion on India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash - ‘Cricket isn't played just by emotions’

The India vs Pakistan clash in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 has created quite a buzz. With Operation Sindoor making a strong statement on India's narrative against Pakistan, calls for boycotting the high-octane clash in UAE on September 14 has been on the rise, including from former cricketers like Harbhajan Singh and Kedar Jadav.  

India pacer Mohammed Shami, known for not to mince any words, cut through his former teammates, stating emotions don't run the game of cricket always. With the Indian government giving nod to IND vs PAK clashes in multination tournaments, players are bound to obey what the higher authority orders, even if they don't to, according to Shami.    

“I don’t go behind controversies. It is always better to agree with whatever the government and the cricket board say. Whatever they decide, you should stick behind it. Cricket isn’t played just by emotions. There are a lot of other things involved. When everyone agrees to play, you should play,” Shami, who wasn't considered for Asia Cup 2025, told News24.