Jason Holder call for unity as India–Pakistan tensions spill into cricket

Former West Indies captain Jason Holder and Grace Hayden, daughter of Australian great Matthew Hayden, have expressed concern about the growing strain between India and Pakistan and its visible impact on cricket, urging players to rise above politics and use their influence to promote unity and peace.

Holder described the ongoing rift as “sad,” stressing that cricket should not be a casualty of political tensions between two of the sport’s biggest powerhouses.

“I don’t like this whole India and Pakistan beef. They are two powerhouses in world cricket. To see how things have transpired, is just sad,” Holder said.

He specifically referenced India’s Asia Cup triumph, noting how political undertones overshadowed a sporting achievement.

“I saw India win the Asia Cup and didn’t go on stage to accept the trophy. I think it’s too much. These things should not be in our game,” he added.

Holder emphasized the broader responsibility elite cricketers carry, calling them ambassadors beyond boundaries and scorecards.

“We as cricketers are ambassadors for the world. If we are talking about world peace and making the world a better place, that’s not what you want to see from your idols,” he said.

“If you are inspiring a generation, we have to find a way to come together. I get it, it’s a long history behind it. But it can change if we as cricketers come together because we have the influence.”

The remarks from Jason Holder come at a time when cricketing ties between India and Pakistan remain fragile, often dictated by political developments rather than sporting considerations. Their comments underline a growing call within the cricketing fraternity for the game to serve as a bridge rather than a battleground, reminding fans and administrators alike of cricket’s unique power to unite across borders.