In a powerful message of unity and sportsmanship, UAE cricket team captain Muhammad Waseem has called his squad “a family,” dismissing any divisions based on nationality amid rising Indo-Pak tensions during the Asia Cup 2025. Speaking after UAE’s spirited performance against Pakistan, Waseem emphasized that his team—comprising players of both Indian and Pakistani origin—plays for the UAE and lives as one unit, regardless of geopolitical developments.
The statement comes in the wake of a controversial handshake row between India and Pakistan, which has dominated headlines and cast a shadow over the tournament. While political tensions escalated following the Pahalgam terror attack, Waseem’s words offered a refreshing counter-narrative rooted in camaraderie and shared purpose.
UAE Team Composition: A Blend of Cultures
| Player Origin | Key Players |
|---|---|
| Indian Heritage | Simranjeet Singh, Rahul Chopra, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Alishan Sharafu |
| Pakistani Heritage | Muhammad Waseem, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid, Asif Khan |
The UAE team reflects the country’s diverse expatriate population, with players from both India and Pakistan forming the backbone of its cricketing setup. Despite their backgrounds, Waseem insists that the team operates as a single, cohesive unit.
Muhammad Waseem’s Statement: Key Quotes
| Quote | Context |
|---|---|
| “We are like a family here.” | On team unity |
| “There is no Indian and no Pakistani.” | On national identity within the squad |
| “We play for UAE team.” | On shared allegiance |
| “We live as a family.” | On off-field relationships |
| “We came here to play the game and we did that.” | On ignoring off-field drama |
Waseem’s remarks were made after Pakistan delayed their match against UAE by nearly an hour, protesting the presence of match referee Andy Pycroft. Despite the disruption, UAE players remained focused and professional.
Asia Cup 2025: Handshake Row and Pycroft Controversy
| Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| India vs Pakistan | No handshake at toss or post-match |
| PCB Complaint | Filed against match referee Andy Pycroft |
| ICC Response | Rejected PCB’s demand to remove Pycroft |
| Pakistan’s Protest | Delayed match against UAE by one hour |
| UAE’s Reaction | Reported on time, chose not to escalate |
The controversy began when India captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha, citing solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan accused Pycroft of mishandling the situation, but the ICC found no wrongdoing.
UAE vs Pakistan Match Summary
| Match Detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Date | September 17, 2025 |
| Venue | Dubai International Stadium |
| Pakistan Innings | 146/9 in 20 overs |
| UAE Innings | 105/8 in 20 overs |
| Result | Pakistan won by 41 runs |
Despite the loss, UAE impressed with their disciplined bowling and fielding. Waseem’s leadership and the team’s unity were widely praised.
UAE’s Asia Cup 2025 Performance
| Match | Result | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|
| vs Oman | Won by 6 wickets | Dhruv Parashar (3/18) |
| vs India | Lost by 9 wickets | Rahul Chopra (42) |
| vs Pakistan | Lost by 41 runs | Junaid Siddique (2/22) |
UAE’s campaign ended in the group stage, but their performances earned respect across the cricketing fraternity.
UAE’s Message of Unity: A Lesson for Global Sport
| Theme | Impact |
|---|---|
| Team Harmony | Strengthens performance and morale |
| Cultural Diversity | Reflects UAE’s inclusive ethos |
| Sportsmanship | Sets example amid political tensions |
| Leadership | Waseem’s calm and clarity praised |
Waseem’s statement has resonated with fans and players alike, offering a reminder that sport can transcend borders and politics.
Reactions from Cricketing Community
| Stakeholder | Response |
|---|---|
| ICC | Commended UAE’s professionalism |
| Fans on Social Media | Praised Waseem’s leadership and unity |
| Former Cricketers | Called UAE “a model for multicultural teams” |
| UAE Cricket Board | Reaffirmed commitment to diversity and inclusion |
The UAE team’s conduct has been hailed as a benchmark for how sport can foster unity in divided times.
Conclusion: UAE’s Spirit Shines Amid Asia Cup Storm
While the Asia Cup 2025 has been marred by off-field controversies, the UAE cricket team has emerged as a beacon of unity and sportsmanship. Captain Muhammad Waseem’s declaration—“We are family, not Indians or Pakistanis”—is more than a soundbite. It’s a philosophy that defines the team’s ethos and offers a powerful message to the global sporting community.
As cricket continues to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, the UAE’s example reminds us that the game’s true spirit lies in teamwork, respect, and shared purpose.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports reports, verified match summaries, and official statements. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political, legal, or sports advisory. All match schedules and quotes are subject to change based on official updates.
