Pakistan-India rivalry is one of the most intense in cricket, featuring often thrilling matches and sometimes controversial moments.
Ahead of the latest ICC Champions Trophy 2025 encounter in Dubai, here we look at some of the most memorable and controversial events from past meetings.
Miandad and More (1992)
At the 1992 World Cup, Pakistani legendary cricketer Javed Miandad became part of a controversial moment that mimicked the exaggerated appeal of Indian wicket keeper Kiran More.
After feeling frustrated by More’s constant complaints, Meandad jumped in a kangaroo-like way to chuckle the keeper.
While the moment was laughed at by fans and commentators, India’s captain Mohamadows Haldin reportedly became furious at Miandad’s actions.
Prasad’s and Aamir Sohail (1996)
Opener Amir Sohail was chasing India’s targets in the 1996 World Cup quarter-finals.
In Bangalore, Sohail and his opening partner, Saeedangar, scored 84 runs in the first 10 overs whilst chasing the target of the 289 runs. Sohail hit the boundary from Indian fast bowler Venkatish Prasad and gestured with the bowler to point to the direction of the shot. This was costly for the Pakistani team.
Prasad responded with a counterattack, then rejected Sohail with the next ball, causing the stadium to erupt in cheers. The bowler then signaled Sohail and left the field in return.
Kamran and Gautam (2010)
Photo: Reuters
The incident comes after Kamran Akumal alleged that the judge was caught behind Gambil just to refuse it. Angry at the appeal, Gambil walked straight to Akumal during a drink break, and the duo entered an ugly conflict. Dhoni, a field judge and Indian skipper, had to step in to make things calm.
When asked about the main reason behind the discussion, the 34-year-old said that Akmal’s appeal was wrong as the ball didn’t touch the bat at all. “I tried to play [the shot] And I completely missed it. He pleaded so much that he thought the ball hit the bat,” he said. “Then I told him there was no appealing meaning because nothing like that happened. We were just caught up in a heated debate and it got so badly worse,” he said. added.
Oral exchange between Ishant Sharma and Kamran Akmal (2012)
During the T20 international match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, tensions erupted in a fierce verbal altercation between fast Indian bowler Ishant Sharma and Pakistani wicket keeper Batman Kamran Akmal.
The incident took place in the final series in 2012 between the two countries. India set a target for 134 runs and while chasing the target, Akmal missed a delivery from Sharma on the 18th. This moment sparked a provocation from Sharma and soon encountered a sharp response from Akumal.
As the exchange got hotter, other players and referees stepped in to prevent the situation from escalating further. The conflict was contained before it became physical, and authorities prevented players from engaging in violent arguments.
The War of Gambil and Afridi’s Words (2007)
In a tense 2007 match, Indian batsman Gautam Gambir and Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi exchanged harsh words after Gambir gained boundaries.
The verbal spat escalated when both players refused to retreat, causing a conflict between the two.
The encounter was filmed on live television, with both players exchanging insults before both players stepped in to cool the tension.
These incidents added to the drama and excitement surrounding the rivalry of Pakistan-Indian cricket. As the team prepares to meet again in Dubai, fans can expect more high-intensity moments on and off the field.
