Why Friendship Can’t Extend Beyond the Boundary Line:
Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir disapproves of off-field friendships between players from opposing teams. He noted the increasing trend of players from rival teams patting each other on the back and sharing fist bumps during matches, which he believes has led to reduced aggression on the field.
He made these remarks following instances of Indian and Pakistani cricketers mingling during the Asia Cup 2023 matches in Sri Lanka. Gambhir, who is now a Member of Parliament, expressed skepticism about what he referred to as the “so-called friendship” among rival players, suggesting that matches nowadays resemble friendly encounters more than intense competitions. On the other hand, former Indian cricketer M. Venkataramana disagrees with Gambhir’s perspective. He advocates for playing hard on the field but emphasizes the value of exchanging knowledge and building friendships off the field.
He considers cricket a gentleman’s game and believes that meeting people, making friends, and displaying camaraderie both on and off the field are integral aspects of the sport. Venkataramana acknowledges that in the era of social media, such interactions are more visible and discussed. Former fast bowler Karsan Ghavri also differs from Gambhir’s viewpoint.
Ghavri believes that the real competition takes place on the field and sees no issue with players from opposing teams developing friendships after matches. He cites examples from his time when players from teams like Australia, West Indies, and Pakistan would socialize after games, sharing meals and attending functions together. Ghavri highlights that great friendships have formed among individuals from traditionally rival teams in the cricketing world and considers Gambhir’s perspective to be his own.
In contemporary cricket, players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are frequently observed exchanging pleasantries and gifts with Pakistani players. For instance, Pakistani pacer Shaheen recently congratulated Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah on becoming a father and even sent a gift, demonstrating the camaraderie that exists among players today.
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