Winning an India vs. Pakistan match at an ICC event is often billed as a bigger achievement than lifting the trophy itself. Former players from both teams have shared how people want them to beat the arch-rivals more than winning the tournament. But that seems like a thing of the past.
Winning the Champions Trophy more important than winning India vs Pakistan match
Current Pakistan cricket team’s ODI vice-captain Salman Ali Agha has blatantly stated that he’ll happily lose their match against the India cricket team on March 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium if that means they’ll win the ICC Champions Trophy.
“The atmosphere is always very unique at the India vs. Pakistan matches. They say it is the world’s biggest game, but for us, winning the Champions Trophy is more important. Of course, we want to beat India, but if we lose to them and still win the tournament, that’s a bigger achievement. Everyone wants us to win that (India) match, and we will try to win it. I will also try to perform well in that match,” Salman Ali Agha said on the PCB Podcast.
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India vs Pakistan head-to-head record in the ICC Champions Trophy
The 2004 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy was the first time the arch-rivals met. Pakistan won that encounter and the next one in 2009. The tide then turned in India’s favour; they won their 2013 clash and then went on to lift the title, facing England in the final. They met in the group stage of the 2017 edition again, and Team India won back-to-back matches. However, Pakistan had the last laugh, beating the Men in Blue handsomely a few days later and taking a 3-2 lead.
| Matches | Won (India) | Won (Pakistan) | Tied |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
