Aftab Iqbal slams Pakistan’s U-turn on cricket decision, urges team to beat India on 15 February

Veteran Pakistani television anchor Aftab Iqbal has strongly criticized Pakistan’s reversal on its earlier stance regarding cricket-related decisions, calling the move embarrassing and damaging to the country’s credibility.

Reacting to Pakistan’s policy shift, Iqbal said he felt “ashamed” by the retreat, warning against making threats that cannot be enforced.

“You should never give a threat on which you cannot act,” he advised viewers. “When you threaten someone, you should be mentally prepared to follow through.”

Using metaphors rooted in traditional wisdom, Iqbal remarked that impulsive reactions and hollow threats weaken a nation’s standing. He argued that repeated political and diplomatic posturing — without decisive action — risks making Pakistan appear unserious on the global stage.

Referring to past rhetoric involving India, he said, “They said you will stop our water, we will stop your breath — but neither happened. The same pattern is repeating.”

Iqbal also warned that continued reliance on verbal pressure, including references to nuclear power, could further erode Pakistan’s international credibility if not backed by responsible diplomacy.

Despite his criticism, the anchor urged Pakistan to respond through performance rather than politics, emphasizing that the national cricket team should focus on defeating India on the field.

“What you should do now is win every match against India,” he said, expressing confidence in Pakistan’s cricketing talent. “Your team is strong — even India does not have such an elite team. But your morale is low.”

He further blamed political leadership for weakening public and team morale, claiming that internal governance and rhetoric have demoralized the nation.