Sports, Politics, and Double Standards — Bitter Memories of the Asian Cup 2025
By: Sports Friend, Shahid Ulhaq
Sports, Politics, and Double Standards — Bitter Memories of the Asian Cup 2025
By: Sports Friend, Shahid Ulhaq
The Asian Cricket Cup 2025 has ended, but it has not left behind pleasant memories. Instead, it is remembered for bitter moments that will go down as a dark chapter in the history of sports. From the very beginning, India did everything possible to humiliate Pakistan — not on the field of play, but in the arena of politics. Sadly, some Pakistani players too added fuel to the fire by politicizing the game. In particular, Haris Rauf’s “six-zero” gesture served only to intensify the tension.
The Olympic Spirit and the Message of Peace ;
One cannot help but wonder: where are we heading? The foundation of sports has always been built on peace, fraternity, and unity. In the ancient Greek Olympics, even athletes from enemy states would march under a white flag to Olympia, welcomed by the people with joy and goodwill. The purpose was one — peace and friendship.
The modern Olympics, launched in 1896, were built on the same dream. And it was for this very reason that in 2014, the United Nations declared sports the strongest medium for promoting peace and development across the world. Unfortunately, today sports are increasingly being turned into tools of division and hatred.
India’s Militarization of Sports ;
India’s behavior this time was beyond unacceptable. Refusing to shake hands at the beginning and end of matches, showing disrespect at the award ceremony, boycotting the trophy presentation, and even the Indian Prime Minister calling the match “Operation Sindoor 2” — all of these prove how the playing field is being turned into a theater of war hysteria.
Such actions not only violate the true spirit of sports but also deepen the divide of hatred in the region.
ICC and IOC’s Double Standards ;
Another harsh reality is the failure of global sporting bodies to uphold their own principles. The ICC was quick to fine Haris Rauf, yet turned a blind eye to the misconduct of Indian players and the Indian board.
The same double standards are visible in the International Olympic Committee. Russia faces sanctions, but Israel does not, despite its blatant human rights violations. Even Spain and several other countries called for sanctions, but to no avail. This raises a serious question: has the arena of sports become nothing more than a puppet to the will of powerful nations?
The Roadmap for Pakistan ;
Pakistan must no longer remain a passive spectator. It needs to understand the power of sports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan Sports Board should join hands to use sports diplomacy as a tool to raise Pakistan’s voice at the global level. India’s behavior must not be countered with mere statements. A formal dossier should be presented to the Indian envoy, and foreign diplomats should be invited to open discussions. If we fail to raise our voice, we will continue to face humiliation in every arena of sport.
I still remember the time when Pakistan and India co-hosted the Cricket World Cup — what a magnificent event it was before the eyes of the world! I played my own role in supporting that event, and at that time, harmony between the two nations could truly be felt. Sports actually looked like sports.
Back in 2009, during the “Generations for Peace Camp” in Abu Dhabi, I proposed the idea of a Dream Peace Court at the Wagah-Attari border, which later expanded into the vision of a Dream Peace Olympic Arena. This was a concept that could have transformed sports from a tool of enmity into a bridge of love and friendship. It could have facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people contact. If this dream had been realized, it would have become the world’s most unique sporting center — a place where borders would not divide, but hearts would unite.
An Appeal for Peace and Unity ;
Here I appeal to sports experts, coaches, and legends from both Pakistan and India to step forward. Let us spread the message of love, peace, and fraternity through sports. Let us open the doors of friendship, not hostility. And let us join hands to turn the vision of the Dream Peace Olympic Arena into a reality. This is the path that can reduce regional tensions and increase trust among the people.
The Asian Cup 2025 has shown us one undeniable truth: when sports are sacrificed at the altar of politics, they only fuel hatred. Pakistan must now decide — does it want to keep sports limited only to the playing field, or does it want to make them a strong pillar of its foreign policy, a beacon of peace and fraternity for the world? Sports are a power — the only question is, how do we choose to use them?
About the Author ;
Shahid Ulhaq — Senior journalist, sports writer, peace advocate, and ambassador of development. Former national-level basketball player, fitness coach of multiple national teams, event manager of major international sports events, and an active voice for promoting peace through spor
