Handshake Row Highlights Tensions: Irfan Pathan Defends India-Pakistan Clash Decisions

Amid ongoing debates, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan addressed the handshake controversy during the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match, emphasizing that the decision for Indian players not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts before and after the game was made in alignment with both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government.

Pathan noted, "The cricketers, BCCI and the government of India are aligned. Everything runs in the alignment of the situation and it is also an individual decision." Highlighting the media's focus on the controversy, he stressed the Indian team's strong on-field performance as the more noteworthy narrative.

Furthermore, Pathan applauded the Odisha Pro T20 League, organized by the Odisha Cricket Association, as a valuable opportunity for emerging cricket talent in the region. "This will profit Odisha cricket a lot," Pathan expressed, with anticipation that the event, starting September 17, will help many players rise to higher levels in the sport. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)