Former caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi emphasised the need to appreciate good cricket regardless of the team and to extend congratulations to both winners and losers.

Speaking on Aaj News’ programme “Rubaroo” with host Shaukat Paracha, Solangi addressed the ongoing India-Pakistan match, calling it a positive development.

However, he noted the downside that the match was not being held in either Pakistan or India.

“Traditionally, host countries hold matches, but we want peace and progress,” he remarked.

Adding a lighthearted touch, he said, “If politics, desi chicken, and orange juice can be part of Adiala Jail, why not cricket as well? I have no objections.”

Calls for positive outlook on PM’s statement

Commenting on the prime minister’s recent remarks, Solangi referenced poet Sahir Ludhianvi, asserting that the real battlefield should be one of development and peace rather than weapons, ammunition, and ballistic missiles.

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“This statement should be taken positively, not in a war-mongering context,” he urged.

He pointed out that an aggressive atmosphere already exists between India and Pakistan, which needs to be discouraged.

“Good cricket should be celebrated. We should be happy for the team that plays well and congratulate both winners and losers.”

US aid, Taliban, and intelligence reports

Responding to a question about U.S. intelligence and Taliban-related issues, Solangi noted that the UN had reported that the Taliban were strengthening inside Afghanistan, with support from the Afghan government.

He criticised the Biden administration’s approach, stating that they had diverted attention elsewhere while continuing to send $40 million per month in cash to Afghanistan.

“The reports clearly state that the U.S. has already provided $4 billion, with another billion to come. This cannot continue indefinitely.”

Regarding U.S. aid to Pakistan, he clarified that for the past seven decades, various Pakistani state and non-state institutions have received U.S. aid, including the Election Commission.

“This is not unusual,” he stated, adding that the real issue was the former President Arif Alvi’s son collecting funds for private business, for which he later had to apologise.

“If the Election Commission received aid, it has happened before as well.” Pakistani performance disappoints

During the discussion, TV anchor Kiran Naz noted that while all eyes were on the stadium in Dubai, expectations from the Pakistan team were not met.

“Prisoners in jails were also shown the match on TV screens. Just like many Pakistanis, I was also disappointed by our team’s performance in the first innings,” she said.

Meanwhile, Indian TV anchor Ashish Kumar expressed his excitement over India’s dominant performance, particularly Virat Kohli’s half-century.

“India is on the path to victory. Our players always find their form against Pakistan and deliver strong performances,” he said.

Kumar praised Shubman Gill’s stroke play, comparing him to cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar.

“It felt like Tendulkar himself was batting,” he remarked.

He also acknowledged Shaheen Afridi’s classic in-swing yorker, recalling a similar delivery by Shoaib Akhtar that had bowled out Tendulkar in a Test match.

Kumar acknowledged Shaheen Afridi’s skill but pointed out that Pakistan’s batsmen failed to support the team.

“They should have planned their innings better and known when to slow down. I am a fan of Babar Azam, but he disappointed me today. He struggles to perform when it matters most,” he added. Kumar also addressed reports regarding U.S. aid during the Trump administration.

“There were concerns about $21 million given to India, similar to Pakistan’s case. The ruling party also targeted the opposition Congress Party over financial matters, much like what happened in Pakistan. And as always, Trump has surprised everyone yet again,” he said.