Five fiery moments of Pakistan-India cricket rivalry

As Pakistan and India gear up for a highly anticipated clash in the ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday in Dubai, AFP sport recalls five controversial moments from their fierce rivalry in one-day cricket.

Miandad’s Kangaroo Jump (1992 World Cup)

Javed Miandad’s antics were legendary, often leaving opponents rattled. During Pakistan’s chase against India in the 1992 World Cup, the Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More’s constant appeals seemed to get under Miandad’s skin.

After a cheeky run, Miandad mocked More’s persistent shouting with a playful kangaroo jump, imitating the keeper’s movements.

While fans found it amusing, Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin was less than pleased, visibly angry at Miandad’s behavior.

Prasad’s Revenge (1996 World Cup Quarter-Final)

During the 1996 World Cup quarter-final, Pakistan opener Aamer Sohail was in the middle of a blistering knock when he taunted Indian medium-pacer Venkatesh Prasad after hitting him for a boundary.

The next ball, however, Prasad had the last laugh, dismissing Sohail and sending him off with a fiery gesture. The crowd erupted in celebration, and Prasad’s revenge rattled Pakistan’s chase.

Inzamam’s Stand-Off with Fan (1997)

Inzamam-ul-Haq, known for his calm demeanor, shocked fans during a 1997 match in Toronto when he confronted an India fan who mocked his weight with chants of “Aloo” (Potato).

The heckling became too much, and Inzamam, furious, stormed into the stands with a bat in hand. The incident remained a hot topic for years, with Inzamam later revealing how the chants were personal and abusive.

Gambhir and Afridi’s Heated Exchange (2007)

In a heated clash between India and Pakistan in 2007, India’s Gautam Gambhir and Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi nearly came to blows. Gambhir struck Afridi for a boundary before engaging in a war of words.

The two cricketers had an intense confrontation, with a mid-pitch collision and expletives exchanged, forcing the umpire to step in and cool things down. Their rivalry has continued off the field, often spilling over into social media.

Akhtar vs Harbhajan (2010 Asia Cup)

In the 2010 Asia Cup final, Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar and India’s Harbhajan Singh had a fiery encounter. After a dot ball from Akhtar, the two exchanged words, and in retaliation, Harbhajan hit a six to guide India to victory.

Akhtar was visibly furious, and Harbhajan celebrated in front of him, triggering more tension. The two cricketers recently re-enacted this moment on TV, reflecting on the intense rivalry.

As these fiery moments show, the Pakistan-India cricket rivalry is filled with memorable clashes both on and off the field. With Sunday’s showdown at the Champions Trophy, fans can expect more drama to unfold.