Dubai: Former Australian Opener Matthew Hayden has praised “Brotherhood Sporting” which is displayed by Arch-Rivals India and Pakistan after their T20 World Cup clashes, say the players have set examples with their behavior.
India lost to Pakistan for the first time in the ICC World Cup, down 10 Wickets in the Super 12 Game for the T20 World Cup opening on Sunday.
However, one of the most charming images of the match was Indian captain hugging the Heroes winning team Mohammed Rizwan.
“The thing that inspires me the most out of the show is a fantastic sports brotherhood,” Hayden, who currently works as a batting consultant with Pakistani T20 forces, says in a video message.
Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, now a mentor with a team, also seen talking to Pakistani players including Babar Azam captain, Shahnab Malik and Fast Bowler Shahnawaz Dahani after the match ended.
Since the 2008 Mumbai terror attack where hundreds of dead, India mostly avoided bilateral cricket bonds with Pakistan, only competing in the ICC event.
Hayden said Pakistan and Indian players gave a good example “about how we had to treat each other as people” after coming together at the end of the match.
“That’s the role of sports, so it’s very beautiful to see times where Ms Dhoni holds a court with several players (Pakistan) and Virat Kohli and (Rizwan), you know, in brotherhood, joining the battle heated in the middle.” Hayden, who worked as a commentator in the Indian Premier League, was appointed as a batting consultant by the Pakistani cricket board before the World Cup took place on October 17.
The 49-year-old children were also impressed with the opening of Pacer Shah Afridi Mantra where he snapped in the opening goal of Rohit Sharma and Kl Rahul.
“Pakistan has abundant speed, not only here but also returns to homes that do not celebrate at this World Cup,” he said.
“Shaheen really is one leader in the bowling group …
no one beats speed, mixed with some skills.”