In a powerful call for unity, the West Indies legend jason holder has expressed deep disappointment over the toxic environment surrounding India–Pakistan cricket rivalryespecially after the ridiculous conclusion asia cup 2025speaking on Willow by Cricbuzz Podcast on January 7, 2026, Holder lamented the “beef” that has seen the two superpowers trade the spirit of the game for geopolitical grandstanding.
The former Windies captain’s comments come in the wake of a historic collapse where sporting etiquette completely broke down on the global stage due to political tensions. Holder argued that when icons choose to keep their distance, they fail a generation of fans who see sports as a vehicle for world peace. with t20 world cup 2026 His plea highlights growing concern that sports’ greatest rivalry is being consumed by a division that is no longer 22 yards away.
Jason Holder’s views on the fiasco between India and Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025
The most disturbing moment cited by Holder was the conclusion asia cup 2025 finalWhere the winning Indian team refused to attend the formal trophy presentation due to the presence of PCB and ACC chief Mohsin NaqviHolder expressed his disappointment at how these off-field issues have overshadowed the players’ achievements and the beauty of the game as a whole,
“To be honest, I don’t like this whole India-Pakistan controversy. This India-Pakistan controversy which is far away from the cricket field is sad. They are two powerhouses in world cricket, and to see how things have happened… I saw India win the Asia Cup and not go up and accept the trophy, I think it is too much. These things should not happen in our game, especially if we are ambassadors to the world.” Holder said during this The game continues with Grace Hayden.
Holder calls for world peace after military standoff between India and Pakistan
Holder expanded on the responsibility of elite athletes, noting that cricketers are “models and inspirations” to millions in both India and Pakistan. He argued that the current hostility at board and team level contradicts the message of global unity that sports should ideally promote, especially at a time of increasing regional conflict. Operation Sindoor Military standoff in 2025.
“If we’re talking about world peace and making the world a better place, this is not what you want to see from your ideals and your motivators. If you’re trying to inspire a generation and a world you have to try to come together and find a way. Yes, it may be off the field, but I think one way to calm it down and end it is for India and Pakistan to be in the game. I think it’s in the context of everything It will be very big.” Holder added.
‘Stop this war between India and Pakistan’: Jason Holder
Which story did Holder mention while comparing himself to other sports giants who influenced the political landscape? Didier Drogba and his role in preventing civil war in Ivory Coast. He urged Indian and Pakistani stars to recognize that their actions on a “daily level” can actually influence governments and the general public to move away from the cycle of war and towards a more peaceful co-existence.
“I remember Didier Drogba, who was one of my sporting heroes, he was the mastermind behind Ivory Coast coming together and appealing to his country to stop the shooting, to stop the violence. It’s one of those moments when you see the power and influence in players and athletes and influential figures. I would love to see more of it from a cricketing point of view between India and Pakistan… If they can do that on the field, then both countries can probably say look, this is the best game of the game.” Maybe we can do it at the everyday level, stop this fight, stop this war between India and Pakistan.” Holder concluded.
Jason Holder on India-Pakistan conflict pic.twitter.com/Gq3Ko4eS9k
– Usman (@jamilmusman_) 7 January 2026
Also read: Michael Atherton criticizes deliberate scheduling of India-Pakistan matches in major ICC tournaments