The rivalry between India and Pakistan has never ended particularly in terms of cricket. Not like any other cricket teams, these two rival countries have never played any series between them since 2012.
Saqlain Mushtaq on Virat Kohli-Babar Azam Picture
In recent times, India and Pakistan were scheduled to play the matches only in ICC and Asian tournaments. India and Pakistan have played 59 Tests, 132 ODIs, and 9 T20Is so far where Pakistan stands tall with total victories of 87 matches across all formats.
The spark of the India-Pakistan rivalry begins right after the announcement of the Asia Cup 2022 schedule where India and Pakistan will play their first match of the series on August 28.
Ahead of the tournament all participating nations have reached UAE and begins their preparation camp. Meeting the other team players in the preparation camp is an unavoidable situation for the players.
Likewise, the players of the rivalry teams India and Pakistan also met each other and shared their brotherhood bond which receives praises from all around the cricket community.
Ahead of India – Pakistan match the comparison of Virat Kohli and Pakistan batter Babar Azam has become one of the discussed topics.
But the two GOATS of current generation cricket have met each other during the preparation camp and shared words which gone viral on social media. Notably, earlier this year, Babar had shown support for Virat, when the batter was going through a lean patch in England.
Hello DUBAI 🇦🇪
Hugs, smiles and warm-ups as we begin prep for #AsiaCup2022 #AsiaCup | #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/bVo2TWa1sz
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 24, 2022
Reacting to this Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq addressed a press conference where he spoke about the bowling attack and also spoke about how the now-viral picture of Virat and Babar sends out a positive message.
“Some years back, I went to play an All-Star Game, there were top 25 cricketers of the world and we were playing together. Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne got everyone together, that time around, I had put out a tweet.
That match was being followed by just Indian and Pakistan cricket fans in America. Both Indian and Pakistan fans had stitched together flags and they were displaying it in unison,” Saqlain said during a media interaction on Thursday.
“I had tweeted then that it is just not cricket and entertainment. It helps people understand so many things, it is bringing everyone together. When we play matches, emotions run high.
But this game also helps in giving lessons about humanity. I think yesterday’s picture between Babar and Virat gives a good message,” he added.
When further asked about whether Babar has helped in easing tension around an India-Pakistan game, Saqlain said: “It is entertainment, it is a sport. The emotions run high, but at the end of the day, it is a sport. We are trying to spread the message of love and kindness. That is why players from both countries mingle with each other.”
Pakistan spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the Asia Cup due to an injury but remains in the team which increases the thirst to see how the likes of Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Haris Rauf perform.
“For a very long time, these three (Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Haris) have been executing the plans and requirements of the Pakistan cricket team. The captain and I as head coach have full confidence in them.
There is no need to worry, Shaheen used to lead the attack but unfortunately, he is not here because of injury. They can change the game on their day,” said Saqlain.
