Former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed opened up about relations with the Indian players. He said that there is a lot of mutual respect between the cricketers of both teams, and the lack of bilateral series has affected interactions.
India vs Pakistan rivalry is one of the biggest in the cricketing world. Over the years, both Asian heavyweights have engaged in some breathtaking battles. While the competition has been high, the games between the teams also have seen tempers getting high as well.
Bond between players of India and Pakistan have been very nice for the last few years
Several players from both teams have engaged in various heated battles, and this has added spice to the rivalry. But since the last few years, the players of both India and Pakistan have been very nice to each other and the bond between the players has been very visible on the field as well.
The likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, and others all share great bonds with each other. During the match between the teams, the players of both teams often have been seen having talks and even laughing.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, who played against India as well, pointed out that the lack of games has stopped players from doing interactions but was quick to admit that back-to-back ICC events have led to improved relations.
The matches that do take place, especially back-to-back encounters, have led to improved relations – Sarfaraz Ahmed
Sarfaraz Ahmed added that both Indian and Pakistani players share mutual respect and friendship, pointing out how big players enjoy each other’s company. Speaking to Cricket Pakistan, he explained:
“While the lack of bilateral series has affected interactions to some extent, the matches that do take place, especially back-to-back encounters, have led to improved relations.”
“Whenever Indian and Pakistani players meet, there is always mutual respect and friendship, after matches it’s not uncommon to see players like Shoaib Malik, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and others sitting together, chatting and enjoying each other’s company.”
He thought it would be a perfect opportunity to capture the moment with his three-month-old son – Sarfaraz Ahmed on his son’s picture with MS Dhoni
Sarfaraz Ahmed also talked about a famous picture of his son Abdullah sitting on MS Dhoni’s lap during the 2017 Champions Trophy. He explained:
“The moment happened when his family friends were visiting, and Dhoni happened to come downstairs. He thought it would be a perfect opportunity to capture the moment with his three-month-old son.”
Sarfaraz Ahmed also revealed that MS Dhoni asked whose child he was, to which he replied, “This is my son.” He also said that he had conversations with Dhoni about wicketkeeping and cricket in general.
India and Pakistan will be in action against each other in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match between the two arch-rivals will be taking place at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (23rd Feb).