India and Pakistan have had a tumultuous political relationship that has often impacted cricket between the two countries. However, despite the intense rivalry both on and off the field, there have been instances where cricketers have managed to transcend the rivalry and connect on a human level.
Here are 5 instances of cricketers breaking the rivalry between the two nations:
The Kohli-Shaheen chat:
Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi was unable to participate in the 2022 Asia Cup due to a knee injury sustained during the Test series in Sri Lanka. Several Indian cricketers met Shaheen to inquire about his health before the Asia Cup.
The conversation between Virat Kohli and Shaheen Afridi caught the attention of fans. The Indian star asked Shaheen about his injury, and the Pakistani pacer expressed his prayers for Kohli to regain his form.
Virendra Sehwag defends Sarfaraz Ahmed:
During the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed faced social media backlash for his English language skills. In response, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag took to Twitter to defend him. He wrote, “Criticizing Sarfaraz for not speaking English is ridiculous. His job is to play, and he has done brilliantly to take Pakistan to the finals.”
Babar Azam’s message for Virat Kohli:
India’s star batsman Virat Kohli was going through a rough patch in international cricket in 2022. Pakistan captain Babar Azam took to Twitter to send a heartfelt message to Kohli, saying, “This too shall pass. Stay strong.”
Virat Kohli responded to the message, writing, “Thank you. Keep shining and rising. Wish you all the best.”
Azhar Ali’s sons with Indian legends:
Former Pakistani opener Azhar Ali shared a moment when “Indian legends” Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni took time to meet his sons after the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Final.
Azhar Ali wrote on Twitter, “Thanks to these legends for sparing their time for my kids. They were so happy.”
Virat Kohli’s jersey for Shahid Afridi:
Shahid Afridi retired from cricket at the age of 36 after playing 27 Test matches, 398 ODIs, and 98 T20Is. After his retirement, the Indian team gifted him a jersey signed by all the players and the head coach, with the message, “To Shahid Bhai. Best wishes. Always a pleasure playing against you.”
Afridi shared a picture of the Indian team jersey on Twitter, expressing his gratitude and saying, “Thank you to you and the entire Indian team for this wonderful farewell gift, Virat Kohli. Respect, superstar. Hope to see you soon.”