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India vs Pakistan rivalry is a form of contention that goes beyond the perimeters of cricket. A rivalry that beggars all description. This intense conflict between the two sides, largely owing to political tensions, has also impacted the cricketing activities between the two nations in the years gone by.
Consequently, the thrill and euphoria engendered whenever these two teams face off have chiefly been confined to the official ICC cricket events. The last time a bilateral series between the two squads presented itself was way back in 2012-13 which was won by Pakistan.
Since then, innumerable endeavors have been made to bring about a media-magnet bilateral series between India and Pakistan but none succeeded.
Amidst such sticky circumstances, the cricketers representing these nations are also influenced by the irreplaceable rivalry and are compelled to give nothing but their best on such occurrences.
Although this enormous pressure sometimes occasions heated moments on the field, there are instances when an ambiance of affability is observed between the arch-rivals.
This is because, notwithstanding the political antagonism, the two states do share a sense of similarity in their cultural activities, which has itself been a source of bringing the natives of these countries together.
So let us take a look-see at 5 friendly moments between the aforementioned groups.
#5 Wasim Akram's gift for Sachin Tendulkar
Pakistani and Indian cricketers are bound to evince aggression when playing on-field but a number of these players share cordial relationships with each other off the field.
In 1999, Pakistan cricket team toured India for a test series. A few days before the first Test at Chennai, Sachin Tendulkar was conferred with the Padma Shri award, which is the fourth highest civilian award granted by the Government of India.
The Pakistani quick Wasim Akram did not miss this opportunity to not only congratulate the Indian batsman but to also present him with a special gift before the commencement of the opening Test match.
The sinistral paceman also expressed admiration for Tendulkar's performance against New Zealand which preceded the series against The Shaheens. In the video, the two can be seen having a casual conversation regarding each other's families.
Wasim's gesture was very well-received by most of the fans as it came at a time when the relations between the two countries were unfavorable.
Video:
#4 Chennai crowd's standing ovation
The first Test match of the 1998-99 series between India and Pakistan drew to a close with a dramatic ending as the latter won it by a measly margin of 12 runs by claiming the last four wickets for only four runs.
As stated previously, the series occurred at a time when the situation at the border was thorny.
The unanticipated finish to the match rubbed salt in the wounds of a broken-hearted Chennai crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium aka Chepauk stadium.
However, even in such an agonizing state, the crowd engineered a standing ovation for the triumphant visitors who, in turn, returned the favor by conducting a victory lap.
Video:
#3 Indian players posing with Azhar Ali's sons
In the buzzworthy Champions Trophy final on 18 June 2017, India suffered a huge defeat as they were shellacked at the hands of their arch-rivals Pakistan by 180 runs.
The ignominious loss furnished a stream of opprobrium for the Indian squad but even amidst such flak, the likes of MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, and Virat Kohli melted several hearts by brushing aside the long-established rivalry and taking pictures with Azhar Ali's sons.
#2 Indian and Pakistani players sharing a light-hearted moment post the Champions Trophy final
There's no denying that the Indian cricket team had a shockingly underwhelming experience at the 2017 Champions Trophy final, yet Virat Kohli and co. displayed great spirit by congratulating their adversaries.
After the final, the Indian skipper and Yuvraj Singh were seen enjoying a high-spirited moment with the Pakistani veteran Shoaib Malik and bowling coach, Azhar Mahmood.
The ICC Twitter handle also posted the video:
#1 Virat Kohli gifts Mohammad Amir his bat
On a handful of occasions, Virat Kohli has showered Mohammad Amir with praise and unlike numerous others, has also welcomed his return to international cricket.
"He is a very skillful bowler and I wish him all the best. He has worked hard to come this far and it takes a lot of courage."
Ahead of the World T20 clash between the two groups, Virat Kohli hit the headlines with his kind gesture by gifting one of his willows to Muhammad Amir during a pre-match practice session at the Eden Gardens.
“I had asked him for a bat during the Asia Cup and Virat said he would give me one in India,” said Amir later. “I am glad he remembered that."
Video:
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