The contest between India cricket team and Pakistan is never devoid of any controversy as emotions run high, both on and off the field during the tie. This time around too, it is no different, albeit there are a section of fans and political parties calling for the boycott of IND vs PAK tie at Asia Cup 2025.
The arch-rivals are all set to renew their rivalry which has spanned across decades. The Men in Blue will take on Salman Ali Agha and co. in the first of perhaps more matches in Dubai in the group stage of the Asia Cup on Sunday. Ahead of the high-octane IND vs PAK clash, let us take a look at the top 5 controversial moments from the matches in the past.
5 controversial moments from IND vs PAK matches
1. Gambhir vs Afridi showdown
Things got heated up between current India coach Gautam Gambhir and ex-Pakistan star Shahid Afridi after the former slammed the latter for a boundary in 2007. Both stars, who are known to be short-tempered, nearly came to blows after a heated exchange, forcing other teammates and officials to intervene.
2. Harbhajan Singh schools Shoaib Akhtar
Another controversial moment that will live in the heads of the fans for decades is the Harbhajan vs Akhtar episode. The incident occurred in the Asia Cup 2010 where India found themselves in a perilous position against Pakistan. Harbhajan, who was batting at that point of time in the run-chase, had a heated exchange with Akhtar, who didn’t waste any time sledging the Indian. What followed was the tailender slamming a six to clinch a nail-biting win for India after which he celebrated wildly in front of the Pakistan bowler.
3. Javed Miandad vs Kiran More
In a 1992 World Cup match against India, an irritated Javed Miandad attempted to mock wicketkeeper Kiran More. The batter was reportedly irked by More’s constant appealing and jumping behind the wicket. After a brief exchange of words between the two, Miandad took a tight single following which he imitated More via a ‘kangaroo jump’. This didn’t sit well with Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin who made no efforts to conceal his displeasure.
4. Prasad’s sweet revenge
Venkatesh Prasad had the last laugh in what was an animated exchange and episode with Pakistan’s Aamir Sohail. The incident occurred during a World Cup match in 1996. Sohail was single-handedly taking the game away from India in the run-chase. The batter then stepped out of the crease and smashed Prasad for a boundary through point. He then pointed a finger towards the boundary, seemingly telling Venkatesh to go fetch the ball. Prasad struck in the very next delivery, leaving Sohail’s stumps uprooted and giving fans in Bengaluru a huge reason to cheer for.
5. Gambhir again!
After his 2007 episode with Afridi, Gambhir was once again involved in a heated exchange, this time with Kamran Akmal. This also happened to be the same game in which Harbhajan schooled Akhtar. Gambhir had muttered something to himself after missing a delivery. However, Akmal – who had appealed behind the stumps – though the words were directed at him. A heated exchange followed which forced the players and umpires to intervene.
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