'The sentiments of millions’ – Former greats open up on India-Pakistan rivalry

The cricketing world comes to a pause when India face Pakistan in a cricket match. When the two teams face off each other, millions across both nations stick to their televisions. Pakistan struggled to beat India in a World Cup match until they thrash the Men in Blue in the 20-20 World Cup 2021, beating them by 10 wickets.

The age-old rivalry is one of the most reputed ones in the game of cricket. Having said that, the two teams share a healthy competition and also maintain a great friendship off the field. From the iconic Venkatesh Prasad banter to Babar Azam’s Tweet for Virat Kohli, the two teams have time and again proved that.

Wasim Akram, the former Pakistan great and commentator, recently, opined that the India-Pakistan rivalry involves sentiments of millions of people.

“India playing Pakistan involves the sentiments of millions,” Wasim Akram was quoted as saying.

The former great also added that a player can become a hero if he/she performs well and the same player can become a villain if his team loses. The two teams have not faced each other in a bilateral series for many 10 years now.

The arch rivals have only locked horns with each other in ICC tournaments. The iconic 2011 World Cup match between India and Pakistan was witnessed by millions at the stadium. And the 2019 World Cup match became an even greater spectacle. That has been the significance and impact of the rivalry.

“Nothing can match an Indo-Pakistan bilateral series because it is played in a different league,” former great Imran Khan said in a documentary. The former Pakistani great added that the rivalry is filled with tension, pressure and enjoyment.

“Fans want these two countries to play each other on a regular basis but resumption is only likely when there is a thaw in relations. We can only wait and hope that happens," Pakistan board’s head Faisal Hasnain told to AFP.

Indian commentator Sanjay Manjrekar opined that he misses India playing against Pakistan.

“It was my favourite opposition for all the entertainment they provided on the field with their banter. Plus the fact that they were a damn good side," Manjrekar told AFP.

India and Pakistan will face each other, once again, in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022. And there are chances that the team might face each other thrice in the tournament and one of them could be in the finals.