‘Drunk without drinking’: Ajay Jadeja on Afghanistan's victory over Pakistan
Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi celebrates after winning the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) match between Pakistan and Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 23, 2023. PHOTO: AFP
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has shed light on the dressing room atmosphere following Afghanistan's victory over Pakistan in last year’s ODI world cup in India.
In an interview with former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif, Jadeja, who mentored the Afghan team during the ICC World Cup 2023, revealed the distinct intensity in matches between Pakistan and Afghanistan compared to those involving India and Pakistan.
"In the 50-over World Cup held in India, I closely observed the Afghan team. After their victory over Pakistan, the dressing room was in a celebratory mood, almost as if everyone was drunk without drinking," said Jadeja.
"Many people asked me how it felt after the match. I explained that if there's a tenfold rivalry in Pakistan-India matches, it’s a hundredfold in Pakistan-Afghanistan games," he added.
Following Afghanistan's victory, several Indian cricketers also criticised the Pakistani team. The national team failed to advance beyond the group stage in the tournament.