Jason Holder, saddened by India-Pakistan beef, makes sincere appeal: ‘When India didn’t collect Asia Cup trophy…’

By Admin

08 Jan, 2026

The long-standing political tension between India and Pakistan once again spilled into the cricketing world in 2025, affecting major tournaments such as the IPL and the Asia Cup. Amid this strained atmosphere, Jason Holder, former West Indies captain, emerged as one of the most vocal international players calling for unity and common ground between the two cricketing giants.

A call for unity beyond the boundary
Holder, who has played extensively in and against both India and Pakistan during his career, made an emotional appeal to players and administrators on both sides of the divide. Speaking on Grace Hayden’s podcast for Willow by Cricbuzz, he expressed disappointment at how political tensions have overtaken the spirit of the sport.

“Honestly, I don’t like this whole India-Pakistan beef,” Holder said. He described the situation as “sad,” pointing out that India and Pakistan are two powerhouses of world cricket whose rivalry should inspire fans, not divide them.

Asia Cup moment that struck a nerve
Holder specifically referred to the dramatic scenes following the Asia Cup final, where India won the title but the trophy presentation became mired in controversy involving the Asia Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“I saw India win the Asia Cup and didn’t go up and accept the trophy. I think it’s too much,” Holder remarked, stressing that such moments damage the image of cricket globally. According to him, players are ambassadors for the game and should reflect values of unity, peace and inspiration.

Cricket as a bridge for peace
While acknowledging the deep and painful history between the two nations, including recent escalations in 2025, Holder believes cricket can play a small but meaningful role in easing tensions. He suggested that if India and Pakistan can come together on the field, it could send a powerful message off it as well.

“If it is to change, it can start from our influential players and teams on the cricket field,” he said, adding that sporting cooperation could help “quieten” hostility and encourage everyday peace between people on both sides.

Inspired by the Didier Drogba example
Holder drew inspiration from Didier Drogba, recalling how the former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker used his platform to appeal for peace during his country’s civil war.

“That’s when you see the power and influence of sportsmen and athletes,” Holder explained. He expressed a desire to see similar leadership and courage from cricketers, especially given the immense cultural influence the sport holds in India and Pakistan.

Why the conflict feels ‘so wrong’
Holder’s frustration also stems from the logistical and emotional toll the rivalry takes on the game. From shifting World Cup venues to teams being unable to tour each other’s countries, he believes cricket and its fans are paying an unnecessary price.

“It’s so hard to be in a World Cup and have to shift games because India and Pakistan can’t play at a certain place. Cricket is meant to be played where it belongs,” he stated bluntly.

A hope that refuses to fade
While Holder admits his appeal may fall on deaf ears in the current climate, his voice adds to a growing chorus within international cricket that yearns for compromise and mutual respect. History shows he will not be the first, nor the last, to call for harmony between the two rivals.

The hope remains that sustained dialogue, shared sporting moments and influential voices like Jason Holder’s can eventually find common ground. If nothing else, such appeals keep alive the belief that cricket can be more than just a game   it can be a bridge, and perhaps one day, a step toward peace beyond the boundary.