New Delhi, Oct 1 (NationPress) Arun Dhumal, re-elected unopposed as the chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council, evaluated India's Asia Cup victory over Pakistan, stating that the team's demeanor showcased “genuine leadership.” He also commented that the excitement surrounding India-Pakistan matches has been exaggerated, asserting that the rivalry has changed significantly over time.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Dhumal discussed India’s Asia Cup success, team leadership, the future of the IPL, the Women's World Cup, and the dynamic between India and Pakistan in cricket. Here are some excerpts:

IANS: India triumphed over Pakistan to clinch the Asia Cup — how crucial is this win for India?

Dhumal: Ascending to the top is straightforward, but sustaining that position is quite challenging. India held the No.1 spot in T20s, and their stellar performance throughout the tournament, winning all matches convincingly, deserves a big congratulations. Special recognition goes to Suryakumar Yadav and all team members for their exceptional cricketing display. By securing the championship, they have proven themselves as the best team globally.

IANS: How do you evaluate Suryakumar’s captaincy and Tilak Varma’s performance in the final?

Dhumal: Both players excelled under pressure. The final match was tightly contested, yet their composure and patience were commendable. Tilak’s innings in the final was remarkable, and the partnerships formed during the middle overs were executed flawlessly. Our bowlers and batsmen showcased a brilliant all-around performance.

IANS: Suryakumar Yadav mentioned, “when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is proactive, we will be too.” What are your thoughts on this statement?

Dhumal: I firmly believe that the team’s mindset embodies authentic leadership. As it is often said, impactful leadership resonates globally, influencing our citizens and team alike. Observing their remarkable performance and ability to tackle challenges, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to them.

IANS: Is a bilateral series between India and Pakistan feasible in the near future?

Dhumal: Ultimately, the Government of India decides against playing bilateral series with Pakistan, and we fully endorse this decision. The BCCI will align with the government's position. For us, the nation's interest takes precedence over cricket.

IANS: What was your impression of the Pakistani players' approach? Did you notice any antagonism, or did they demonstrate true sportsmanship?

Dhumal: Several incidents occurred that, in my view, should not have happened on the field, yet they did. We shouldn't linger on the past. Once again, we commend the Indian team for their fantastic performance.

I believe the excitement surrounding India-Pakistan matches has been overstated. As previously mentioned, these contests are no longer what they used to be. If you ask any Indian to name 24 Pakistani players, they are likely to struggle. Previously, names like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar were prominent, but such players are no longer present.

I also feel that matches against teams like England, New Zealand, or Australia offer greater competitiveness. Given that Pakistan is our neighbor, and our relations can be tense, the media tends to amplify the hype.

Even against highly skilled teams, our performance has been commendable. Thus, we should not overemphasize this match. We have the capability to defeat any of the world's top teams—not only our A or C teams, but our current talent is unmatched globally. This should instill pride in us, and we should applaud and congratulate the players for their remarkable achievements.

IANS: You have been re-elected as IPL chief. What can we anticipate from the forthcoming IPL?

Dhumal: I wish to express my gratitude to all my team members for their trust in me. Over the past three years, we've dedicated significant effort, and I hope that in the upcoming years, we can elevate the IPL—currently recognized as the world’s No. 2 league—even further to become the world's top sports league.

IANS: The Women’s World Cup has also commenced in Guwahati. How much encouragement will Indian women’s cricket receive in the country?

Dhumal: In recent years, the women’s teams have performed admirably, but have narrowly missed out on ICC trophies due to minor lapses. However, observing their preparation this time around, I genuinely believe they will deliver an outstanding performance and win this World Cup.

IANS: Prime Minister Modi is known for his keen interest in cricket. What do you think the impact of such high-level attention on the sport is?

Dhumal: Cricket is undeniably viewed as an iconic sport, deeply intertwined with every citizen of the nation. The Prime Minister's tweet congratulating the team is genuinely inspiring for the players and serves as motivation for them to excel further. He too must feel delighted that the world’s most popular leader watched the game and extended his congratulations.

IANS: Neither Rahul Gandhi nor any member of the Gandhi family or the Congress party has acknowledged India’s victory. What is your response to this?

Dhumal: I prefer not to delve into politics. All citizens are ecstatic; some might be disheartened, but I choose not to comment on that.