The rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket is intense, but off the field, the players share a bond that often goes unnoticed. Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed recently shed light on this evolving camaraderie, highlighting how recent tournaments have brought players from both sides closer.
Growing Bonds Through Tournaments
Sarfaraz acknowledged that while the absence of bilateral series has limited interactions, frequent encounters in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup have strengthened relationships. “Matches these days, especially back-to-back games in tournaments, have allowed players to form strong bonds,” Sarfaraz shared.
He highlighted the mutual respect that exists between the players from Pakistan and India. “It’s common to see players like Shoaib Malik, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni sharing light moments after matches. They sit together, chat, and enjoy each other’s company,” Sarfaraz revealed, emphasizing that cricket has always fostered friendships despite political tensions.
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A Special Moment with MS Dhoni
One of Sarfaraz’s fondest memories is the famous picture of his son, Abdullah, sitting on MS Dhoni’s lap before the 2017 Champions Trophy final. Recalling the moment, Sarfaraz said, “My family friends were visiting, and Dhoni came downstairs. It felt like the perfect time to capture the moment with my three-month-old son.”
Dhoni’s reaction was heartwarming. After learning Abdullah was Sarfaraz’s son, Dhoni expressed his joy at meeting the little one. It’s these simple, genuine interactions that highlight the human side of cricket’s biggest rivalry.
Learning from a Legend
Sarfaraz Ahmed also shared insights from his conversations with Dhoni, particularly during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy at The Oval.
“I asked Dhoni how he balanced being a wicketkeeper, batsman, and captain. His advice helped me immensely,” Sarfaraz said, praising Dhoni’s humility and willingness to help fellow cricketers.
While the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry continues to thrill fans worldwide, it’s heartening to see that off the field, players share genuine friendships, proving that cricket truly is more than just a game.
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