The Indo-Pak rivalry in cricket is arguably next only to the Ashes rivalry between England and Australia. The arch rivals have produced some thrilling contests over the years and political tensions between the two countries have only added to the excitement. The contests between these two sub-continental giants, who were divided at birth, have had its fair share of bad blood. The 1996 incident between Pakistani opener Aamer Sohail and India’s Venkatesh Prasad, when the two teams met in the World Cup quarter-finals, underlines how passions usually flare in Indo-Pak contests. Yet, the on-field acrimony is often buried and forgotten when the players meet off it.
Another reason for the mellowing down of the intense rivalry has been the relatively stable political relations between the two countries over the past decade, which has also facilitated more cricket between the two. Although still not in the frame for Indian Premier League, Pakistani cricketers, barring a few incidents, have received much love and hospitality from Indians whenever they've visited the country. Here is a look at 5 Pakistani cricketers who have found love on both sides of the border.
#1 Imran Khan
The Pakistani captain who led the ‘cornered tigers’ to World Cup glory in 1992, was always a crowd favorite and was a hit among women for his suave looks. And if, to those looks ,you add the abilities of the finest all rounder of a generation, then fame is not too far away. To call what Imran Khan had at the peak of his career just ‘fame’ would be insulting the aura of the man and his aura reached its pinnacle with the 1992 World Cup victory, when he took a bunch of no-hopers to World Cup win in Australia.
The all-rounder used his cricketing fame to enter politics and has succeeded in making his party Paksitan Tehreek-e-Insaf a force to reckon with in the national politics.As a politician, Imran Khan visits India regularly and was recently felicitated by Cricket Association of Bengal along with Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag for his contributions to the game ahead of India’s match against Pakistan in 2016 World T20.
#2 Shahid Afridi
Another Pakistani all-rounder who finds a lot of love in India is Shahid Afridi. The cricketer’s penchant for maximums is what makes him a star, while also being the reason for his downfall on numerous occasions. Not many would know it but Afridi’s ‘Boom Boom’ nickname was also coined by Indian commentator Ravi Shastri. Afridi is a much loved figure in India, not only because of his big hits and his wicket-taking bowling, but also because of the big smile he flashes.
The former Pakistan captain, however, found himself in troubled waters when he acknowledged the love and adulation he receives from Indian crowds when he remarked in a press conference, “I’ve not enjoyed playing anywhere as much as I have in India. I am in the last stage of my career and I can say that the love I have got in India is something that I will always remember. We have not got this much love even from Pakistan.” He was subsequently served with a legal notice in Pakistan.
#3 Wasim Akram
It was tough for an Indian cricket fan to admire Wasim Akram in the 90’s when he was at the peak of his powers, for the left armer used his magic way too often to break the backbone of India’s batting and win matches for Pakistan. But once the bowler hung up his boots, Indians could absorb the greatness of his feats.
Also, post retirement, Wasim Akram has increased his association with India and has also seen his fan base grow. The 50-year-old now spends most of his time in India where he plies his trade as a commentator for Star Sports and in months of April and May dons the golden and purple of Kolkata Knight Riders for whom he is the assistant coach.
Akram, who keeps getting asked by his countrymen on social media why he renders coaching services in India and not in Pakistan, has slammed his detractors many times saying that its India from where he earns his ‘bread and butter’ and will help Pakistani young bowlers when asked by the board.
#4 Shoaib Akhtar
The tearaway fast bowler, much like Wasim Akram has become a hit with Indian fans post his retirement. Akhtar has rejuvenated his association with the game in the form of a Hindi commentator for Star Sports and has formed an unlikely partnership with his one-time rival Virender Sehwag in his new avatar.
The bowler had ruffled quite a few feathers when he wrote disparagingly of Indian stars Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid in his autobiography ‘Controversially Yours’. However, the bowler also wrote glowingly about his experience of playing in India. “I have discovered over the years that Indian cricket fans are warm and generous and know their cricket. As a result, I love playing and touring in India... I have really been touched by the Indian crowd.”
#5 Shoaib Malik
Playing against India brings the best out of the right-hander. Malik has an average of nearly 50 in 37 matches while batting against India. But the 34-year-old has a more special connection with India than the rest on this list. Apart from his cricketing career, Shoaib Malik will always be popular in India because of his marriage to Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza. The two tied the knot in 2010 and since then Malik has been treated by his Indian fans as family.
Malik has also reciprocated the love. Ahead of their T20 campaign, he also remarked "I am very happy to be in India, I always get a lot of love. I am honoured to be in India.” Shoaib Malik was also the captain of Pakistan when India won the T20 World Cup against them in 2007.
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