‘Players Aware Of Public Sentiment On Playing Pak, Told To Focus On Cricket’

The Indian players are aware of the public sentiment against their Asia Cup match against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack but head coach Gautam Gambhir has advised them to focus on the big game in a team meeting, fielding coach Ryan Ten Doeschate said on Saturday.

- Press Trust of India

The Indian government has allowed the national team to play against Pakistan at multinational events like the World Cup and Asia Cup but has barred any bilateral engagement across sports.

"We obviously are aware of the sentiments and the strong feelings. And Gauti's (Gambhir's nickname) message has just been very professional, about not worrying about things that are not in our control," Ten Doeschate revealed in the pre-match press conference.

"I have no doubt the players share the compassion and feeling of the vast majority of the Indian public. The Asia Cup was in limbo for a long period of time and we were just waiting,” he said.