IND vs PAK: On October 14, India and Pakistan faced off in a high-stakes contest that will go down as one of the most memorable in cricket history. An exciting match that Pakistan was hoping to win but instead got a humiliating loss to their bitter foes. What really made this match stand out, however, was what happened thereafter between two current cricketing greats: Babar Azam and Virat Kohli.
IND vs PAK: India managed a comprehensive victory
India won the toss and decided to field first, maybe because of their high confidence and well-thought-out game plan. It was set in Ahmedabad, and spectators on both sides of the border were pumped up for the upcoming match. However, Pakistan’s innings collapsed as they failed to establish their footing and play the complete 50 overs, leading to a meagre 192 runs.
In retaliation, India’s chase went off without a hitch, resulting in a seven-wicket victory. India beat Pakistan by 86 runs and reached their goal of 192 thanks to a brilliant effort from Rohit Sharma. Even though his side lost, Babar Azam was outstanding. He scored 50 runs to lead Pakistan and added 82 to a key third-wicket stand with Mohammad Rizwan. The Men in Green were eventually knocked out in the next 36 runs after losing eight wickets under intense strain.
In cricket, it is customary for players to show their appreciation for one another by giving and receiving little gifts after a match. The discussion between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli is one example of a moment like this that received a lot of media coverage. The two current greats have a deep appreciation for one another and have often praised one other’s cricketing abilities.
The match ended with Virat Kohli giving his autographed shirt to Babar Azam, and the act went viral on social media. A wonderful moment that embodied the true sportsmanship that cricket is known for. However, not everyone agreed, and one notable person in cricket, Wasim Akram, didn’t seem too thrilled with this post-match chat.
After the match, on the cricket programme “The Pavilion,” a viewer submitted a question that criticised the Pakistan captain’s interaction with Virat Kohli. After Pakistan’s poor showing, the question drove home the idea that discussions like this should take place behind closed doors.
Wasim Akram Lambasted Babar Azam For His Desperate Act After The Match
Wasim Akram agreed with this assessment, stating that the time was wrong. According to his advice, these kinds of displays are better saved for when you’re alone in the dressing room.
“That’s what I exactly said when I saw the picture [getting the shirts publicly, not privately]. Today was not the day to do this. If you want to do it – if your uncle’s son has asked you to get Kohli’s shirt – then do it after the game in the dressing room,” he said.
Some cricket fans, including Akram, felt that the conversation, however well-intentioned it may have been, came at the wrong moment and should have been kept out of the public spotlight.
Wasim Akram says Babar Azam shouldn’t have asked for Virat Kohli’s shirt after Pakistan’s big defeat against India tonight. It wasn’t the right time to do that! Do you agree? #CWC23 #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/csFm2TmToV
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) October 14, 2023
