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'Gambhir still fearing' - Old rivalry sparks as Gautam Gambir and Shahid Afridi share awkward exchange in Legends League Cricket 2023

Gautam and Shahid made headlines again when they came face-to-face with each other in the opening match of Legends League Cricket.

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Shahid Afridi & Gautam Gambhir

Shahid Afridi & Gautam Gambhir (Image credit Twitter)

Shahid Afridi & Gautam Gambhir Shahid Afridi & Gautam Gambhir (Image credit Twitter)

Former international cricketers Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi have always been in the news during their playing days and even after retirement. The rivalry started when the two got into a heated exchange during the India-Pakistan ODI in 2007. Since then, the rift between the two escalated and took to social media after retirement. However, the duo once again grabbed the headlines when they came face-to-face with each other in the opening match of the Legends League Cricket in Doha on Friday.

India Maharajas captain Gambhir and Asia Lions captain Afridi shared the same screen as they came for the toss. Lions won the toss and elected to bat first, followed by an awkward handshake between the two former cricketers. The Pakistan all-rounder gave the handshake with a smile on his face, but India's opening batter kept his head down and showed his emotions. The moment sparked an old rivalry between the two legends and led to a meme fest on Twitter.

Currently a Bharatiya Janata Party MP, Gautam Gambhir is also the mentor of the Lucknow franchise in the Indian T20 League. Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi recently served as the interim chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during the Pakistan-New Zealand series.

Talking about their rivalry, Shahid Afridi won hearts with his brilliant on-field gesture. Gambhir was hit on the elbow when he tried to play a shot behind the stumps on the very first ball of the 12th over bowled by former Pakistan right-arm pacer Abdul Razzaq. A concerned former Pakistan skipper rushed over to check on the left-handed batter.

Watch the video below: 

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Upul Tharanga's 40 off 39 and former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq's 73 off 50 took Asia Lions to post a total of 165 runs in 20 overs. In reply, skipper Gambhir's lone fight (54 off 39) went in vain as India Maharajas lost by 9 runs. Chasing 166 runs, Gambhir's team finished at 156/8 in a last-over thriller.

Here are some of the reactions after the two legends shook hands during the toss:

India Legends League Cricket Shahid Afridi Gautam Gambhir Pakistan