Indian cricketers avoid photos with Pakistani net bowlers in Dubai practice

Indian cricketers have reportedly avoided taking photographs with Pakistani net bowlers during practice sessions at the ICC Academy in Dubai, reflecting a cautious approach amid ongoing controversy surrounding Indo-Pak cricket relations.

According to sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed players to refrain from interactions or photographs with Pakistani net bowlers, who are regularly invited from local clubs to assist teams during training. The move comes days after Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav faced backlash in Indian media when a photograph of him shaking hands with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi went viral.

Team management has also imposed strict measures at practice venues. Net bowlers are not permitted to use their smartphones during sessions, with phones temporarily collected by Indian officials and returned after training concludes.

Officials at the ICC Academy confirmed that net bowlers from several countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India, often participate in sessions, and taking pictures with international players has been common in the past. During earlier tournaments in Dubai, Pakistani bowlers had taken photos with stars such as Virat Kohli.