Moin Khan Advises Pakistan Players: Keep Boundaries on Field, Don't Get Friendly with Indians Off It

His comments come just three weeks before Pakistan and India are set to clash in the Champions Trophy on February 23 in Dubai.

Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan has cautioned the country’s cricketers against becoming overly friendly with Indian players during matches, suggesting that such behavior could be seen as a sign of weakness.

His comments come just three weeks before Pakistan and India are set to clash in the Champions Trophy on February 23 in Dubai. Known for his aggressive and chatty style as a wicketkeeper-batter during his prime, Moin expressed confusion over the growing trend of friendly exchanges between players from both teams at the crease.

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“I just don’t get it when I watch Pakistan-India matches these days. As Indian players come to the crease, our players check their bats, pat them, and have friendly conversations,” Moin said during a podcast hosted by actor Ushna Shah.

“Nowadays, our players' behavior against India is incomprehensible to me. Even off the field, as professionals, you must maintain certain boundaries,” he added.

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Moin, who faced India in many heated encounters, made it clear that while he respects opposition players, excessive friendliness on the field could be counterproductive.

“Our seniors always told us that when playing against India, you give no quarter and avoid talking to them on the field. When you get friendly, they see it as a sign of weakness,” Moin explained.

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The 53-year-old former cricketer admitted he holds immense respect for some of his Indian counterparts, but stressed that respect should not translate into friendliness during matches.

“I don’t think our players understand that being too friendly is perceived as weakness on the field. When that happens, you automatically come under pressure in your performances,” he said.

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Moin also reflected on Pakistan's inability to beat India in a World Cup match, calling it one of the biggest regrets for players of his era. Despite this, he remains optimistic about both Pakistan and India being strong contenders for the Champions Trophy.

Read also| PCB and ICC to Host Champions Trophy Opening Ceremony in Lahore on February 16

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Read also| Bumrah Receives Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year

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