President Asif Ali Zardari’s humorous yet meaningful message to the Pakistan cricket team has on Sunday gone viral on social media. His words—“Leave politics to us”—have not only gone viral but also sparked serious conversations about the growing influence of politics in Pakistani cricket.
The scene unfolded at the Governor House in Lahore during a meeting between President Zardari and players from both the Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket teams. While praising both squads for their dedication and hard work, President Zardari turned to the Pakistani players with folded hands and a smile, offering what many are calling a “golden piece of advice.”
“You all are doing a great job, so stay away from politics,” he said with a chuckle. “That’s for people like us who can survive 14 years in jail—you can’t do that.”
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His candid statement had the room erupting in laughter, including Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha. But beneath the humor was a message many fans and analysts believe the team desperately needed to hear.
A timely message amid controversy
President Zardari’s remark coincides with a renewed focus on politics in Pakistani cricket. The team has long been beset by accusations of groupings, favoritism, and internal strife, which culminated in October 2024 with the resignation of former ODI captain Babar Azam. Babar’s resignation was widely interpreted as the result of internal politics, with him citing “extra burden” and a desire to concentrate on his game.
Now, with the President himself taking cognizance of the problem—albeitfacetiously—many feel that this may be a turning point in the way cricket and politics meet in Pakistan.
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Praising Bangladesh and strengthening ties
Zardari also praised the Bangladeshi team, praising both their performance and the nation’s overall development. He emphasized the close ties that exist between Bangladesh and Pakistan and expressed optimism for further collaboration in trade, sports, and other domains.
“I remember the painful time when the two countries were separated,” he said. “But I still have many friends there and cherish those connections. It’s been a long time since I visited Dhaka, and I miss it.”
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Social media reacts
The President’s remarks quickly gained traction online. One user wrote, “For the first time, I agree with Asif Ali Zardari.” Another posted, “Zardari has struck at the very roots of what’s wrong with Pakistan cricket.”
Users also pointed out that the toxic political culture recently introduced into the country has started seeping into sports. “Politics has poisoned young minds. Maybe the President’s humble advice will make a difference,” said one commenter.
Another user summarized it perfectly: “Politics is natural, it happens everywhere. But it should improve the game—not ruin it.”
As President Zardari reminded the players, “This is your time, and your future is bright.” His words, though laced with humor, reflect a serious concern that many cricket fans share: the game should be about talent, teamwork, and national pride—not internal conflicts and political agendas.
