Indian-Pakistani Cricketers Unite in ILT20: Gulf Giants Stars Ignore Political Tensions for 'Good Cricket'

Dubai's glitzy cricket scene is stealing the spotlight again, but this time, it's not just about sixes and boundaries—it's about bridging divides. As the International League T20 (ILT20) kicks off from December 2, 2025, fans are buzzing over an unlikely duo on the Gulf Giants roster: Indian-origin all-rounder Meet Bhavsar and Pakistani batter Asif Khan. In a league packed with global stars, these two aren't just teammates—they're proving that cricket's spirit trumps geopolitical friction.

Remember the Asia Cup 2025? That tense showdown in Dubai, just three months back, left a sour taste. India clinched victory, but the post-match snubs—no handshakes, trophy controversies—highlighted the scars from the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Three India-Pakistan clashes unfolded amid whispers of bitterness, a far cry from the game's gentlemanly roots.

Fast-forward to ILT20, and the narrative flips. Meet, born in Kuwait with Indian citizenship, and Asif, a UAE international of Pakistani origin, share the Gulf Giants dugout without a hint of awkwardness. In an exclusive chat with Bhaskar ahead of their opener, the pair opened up about their journeys and unbreakable camaraderie.

Asif's story starts in Pakistan's domestic circuit. "I honed my skills there—Under-19 and First-Class cricket—before heading to the UAE in 2016," he shared, flashing a grin under Dubai's winter sun. Now a key UAE player, he's all about fostering harmony. Meet, meanwhile, grew up swinging bats in Kuwait. "I've played in India too, but this Kuwait-ILT20 tie-up brought me here to Gulf Giants," he said, crediting the collaboration for his big break.

The Asia Cup elephant in the room? No sweat. "In the UAE team, Indians and Pakistanis room together, train side-by-side—zero issues," Asif insisted. "Cricket's a gentleman's game; that handshake drama was unfortunate. I hope future India-Pak matches ditch the politics." Meet echoed the sentiment with warmth: "We're all siblings across the border. We eat, laugh, and play together. Tensions? They stop at the headlines for us."

Their bond shines in mixed squads too. UAE, Kuwait, and other Gulf teams often blend talents from both nations. During India-Pakistan thrillers, loyalties tug gently. "I root for Pakistan a tad more, obviously," Asif chuckled. "But we cheer the better side—bonding with stars from both countries is gold." Meet added a playful twist: "Rivalry means banter in our group chats, but it's all love. We savor the cricket, not the divide."

ILT20's melting pot extends beyond the pitch. With stars like David Warner and Nicholas Pooran lighting up Sharjah Stadium, the league's second season promises fireworks. Gulf Giants, defending champs from 2023, eye another title, bolstered by such inclusive vibes. Asif and Meet aren't just players; they're ambassadors for cricket's unifying power.

Wrapping on a light note, we tossed the ultimate debate: Babar Azam's silken cover drive or Virat Kohli's ferocious flick? Asif: "Babar's elegance wins for me—pure poetry." Meet: "Kohli's got that fire; it's unbeatable." Laughter ensued, a reminder that in cricket's family, rivals are just debate fodder.

As ILT20 unfolds through January 2026, this story of unity amid rivalry could inspire more. In a world quick to divide, these Gulf Giants are hitting boundaries—and healing old ones. Stay tuned for live scores, match highlights, and more ILT20 drama.