‘I stopped watching…’: Sourav Ganguly breaks silence on no-handshake row in India vs Pakistan clash
Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly Breaks Silence on India vs Pakistan No-Handshake Controversy
Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President, Sourav Ganguly, has finally spoken out regarding the no-handshake controversy that emerged during the India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025. The legendary cricketer refused to fuel the controversy and disclosed that he stopped watching the match after 15 overs due to its one-sided nature.
Ganguly’s Perspective on the No-Handshake Row
At a recent event in Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly was asked about the no-handshake saga that transpired between the Indian and Pakistani teams. In response, Ganguly suggested that the captain of the Indian team, Suryakumar Yadav, should be questioned about the incident rather than himself. He emphasized the need for the captain to explain his actions and decisions.
Ganguly stated, “You need to ask the captain what he did and why he did it. I am too far away from the current situation as I am launching my ethnic brand. I really don’t have an answer to that.”
India’s Dominance in the Cricketing Arena
Ganguly also shared his views on the match’s outcome, highlighting India’s superiority over Pakistan in cricket. He expressed that the Indian team’s performance showcased their exceptional skill and talent, even in the absence of key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Ganguly mentioned that India’s cricketing prowess has put them miles ahead of their competitors, including Pakistan.
According to Ganguly, “Pakistan is no match. I say that with respect, just because I see what the team is, it’s the lack of quality on the side. The Indian team played this game without Virat and Rohit, who were stalwarts for such a long time.”
He further emphasized, “I don’t think India-Pakistan is a contest anymore. We keep hyping it, and in the last 5 years, every hype has been shattered. It’s just been one-way traffic.”
Ganguly’s Preference for Other Cricket Matches
Ganguly also expressed his preference for watching India play against other competitive teams like Australia, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka, and even Afghanistan, rather than witnessing one-sided encounters with Pakistan. He suggested that the cricketing landscape has evolved, and the historic rivalry between India and Pakistan may no longer hold the same level of excitement and competition as before.
As the cricketing world continues to witness the changing dynamics of the sport, Ganguly’s insights shed light on the evolving nature of cricket rivalries and the dominance of certain teams in international competitions.
Impact of Sourav Ganguly’s Statements on Indian Cricket
Sourav Ganguly’s comments on the India vs Pakistan no-handshake controversy and the overall dominance of the Indian cricket team have sparked discussions and debates within the cricketing community. His perspective on the changing dynamics of cricket rivalries and the evolution of India’s cricketing prowess has raised important questions about the future of the sport.
Many cricket enthusiasts and analysts have echoed Ganguly’s sentiments regarding the lack of competitiveness in India vs Pakistan matches in recent years. The one-sided nature of these encounters has led to calls for restructuring cricket schedules to prioritize matches between teams that offer more balanced and thrilling contests.
Challenges and Opportunities for Indian Cricket
While India’s dominance in cricket is undeniable, there are also challenges that the team must address to maintain its position at the top. The absence of key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in certain matches has highlighted the need for a strong bench strength and a consistent pipeline of talent to ensure continuity in performance.
Ganguly’s emphasis on the importance of playing against competitive teams like Australia, South Africa, and England underscores the need for Indian cricket to constantly seek out challenges that push the team to improve and innovate. By participating in tough contests against top cricketing nations, India can continue to evolve and set new benchmarks in the sport.
The Evolution of Cricket Rivalries
As cricket evolves and new rivalries emerge, the traditional India vs Pakistan rivalry may undergo a transformation. While the historical significance of this matchup remains undeniable, the shifting landscape of international cricket has paved the way for new and exciting rivalries to take center stage.
Ganguly’s preference for matches against teams like Afghanistan and Sri Lanka highlights the growing competitiveness and diversity in cricket. As more nations embrace the sport and raise their standards, cricket fans can look forward to witnessing thrilling contests that showcase the global appeal and reach of the game.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Indian Cricket
With Sourav Ganguly’s insights providing valuable perspectives on the current state of Indian cricket, the focus now shifts to the future of the sport in the country. As India continues to produce talented cricketers and assert its dominance on the international stage, the challenge lies in maintaining this momentum and adapting to the changing demands of the game.
By embracing new challenges, nurturing young talent, and fostering a culture of excellence, Indian cricket can navigate the complexities of the modern cricketing landscape and continue to thrive as a powerhouse in the sport. Sourav Ganguly’s words serve as a reminder of the rich legacy of Indian cricket and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for the team and its fans.


