By Vipul Tamhane
India-Pakistan cricket remains a captivating narrative, showcasing both the challenges and the potential for camaraderie between two passionate cricketing nations.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is currently taking place in Dubai, where India triumphed over Pakistan by six wickets, with Virat Kohli scoring a sensational century; his 50th in ODI. Indo-Pak cricket has a rich and tumultuous history, marked by wars, betrayals, and geopolitical upheavals.
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense in sports, deeply intertwined with the political and cultural histories of both nations. Since their 1947 partition, their tumultuous relationship has been marked by conflict and tension. Yet, cricket has often served as a bridge, fostering unity and shared passion, while reflecting broader geopolitical dynamics and creating unforgettable moments in the sport.
Historic rivalry born out of partition
The first Test series between India and Pakistan occurred in 1952, just five years after partition, symbolizing the start of their cricketing relationship amid lingering trauma. Played in a spirit of cautious optimism, the series featured both teams eager to showcase their skills. Pakistan achieved a significant milestone by winning their first Test against India in Lucknow, marking a proud moment for the new nation. Although India won the series 2-1, cricket served primarily as a diplomatic tool to foster goodwill between the two countries.
The 1960s and 1970s: Cricket amidst wars
The Indo-Pak wars significantly impacted cricketing relations, with political tensions from conflicts in 1965 and 1971 leading to a long suspension of matches. During these turbulent times, cricket was sidelined, and bilateral series were halted. The 1971 war, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh, further strained ties between the nations. However, the 1970s also produced memorable cricketing moments.
Cricket resumed in 1978, with the 1978-79 series in Pakistan, led by Indian captain Bishan Singh Bedi, marking a significant return after a 17-year hiatus. This series, played in a tense atmosphere, highlighted the talents of players like Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, and Sunil Gavaskar, who became legends in both countries.
The 1980s: Golden era of India-Pakistan cricket
Under General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime, Pakistan viewed cricket as a diplomatic tool, famously initiating "Cricket Diplomacy" in 1987 during a Test match in Jaipur. However, this period was also marked by Pakistan's deep state and ISI sponsoring anti-India insurgencies, straining relations off the field. Despite these tensions, camaraderie among players flourished. Sunil Gavaskar and Imran Khan shared mutual respect, while Kapil Dev and Javed Miandad became icons of intense yet sportsmanlike encounters. The 1986 Austral-Asia Cup final in Sharjah, where Miandad hit a last-ball six off Chetan Sharma, is a legendary moment in cricket history, intensifying the rivalry. They say matches in Sharjah during the 1980s were rumored to be influenced by bookies, adding complexity to the competition. This decade is often celebrated as the golden era of India-Pakistan cricket, showcasing thrilling contests and world-class talent.
The 1990s: Kargil, Mumbai blasts, and cricketing hiatus
The 1990s were characterized by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly over the Kashmir issue and rising militancy. In 1991, Bal Thackeray the supremo of the Shiv Sena (a political party from Maharashtra), and his activists, protested against an India-Pakistan cricket match scheduled to be held in Mumbai (then Bombay) as part of a broader campaign by Shiv Sena to oppose cultural and sporting ties with Pakistan, which continued in subsequent years as well. The 1999 Kargil War resulted in another suspension of cricketing ties.
Despite this, the decade produced unforgettable matches, such as the 1996 World Cup quarterfinal in Bangalore, where India triumphed over Pakistan, showcasing the electric atmosphere and stellar performances from players like Navjot Singh Sidhu and Aamer Sohail. This match highlighted cricket's unifying power amid political strife. The rivalry intensified not only on the field but also geopolitically, with the 1999 World Cup match in England occurring against the backdrop of conflict. The rise of Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar added new dimensions to the rivalry, while events like the 1993 Mumbai blasts further strained relations and impacted bilateral cricket.
The 2000s: A new era of cricket diplomacy
Despite the Kargil conflict, cricket diplomacy resurfaced in the early 2000s, notably during India’s 2004 tour of Pakistan after a long hiatus. This tour, led by Indian captain Sourav Ganguly and supported by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s peace initiatives, marked a thaw in relations. It was the first full bilateral series in 14 years, featuring thrilling matches and memorable fan interactions. Highlights included Virender Sehwag’s record-breaking 309 in Multan, earning him the title "Sultan of Multan," showcasing the spirit of cricket and sportsmanship among players like Rahul Dravid and Inzamam-ul-Haq.
The 2007 ICC World Twenty20 final in Johannesburg further intensified the rivalry, with India winning a nail-biting match, showcasing the sportsmanship of players like MS Dhoni and Shoaib Malik. However, tensions escalated again after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, leading India to sever cricketing ties due to concerns over Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism. Consequently, Pakistani players were excluded from the Indian Premier League (IPL), further deepening the divide.
The 2010s: Proxy wars, political turmoil and limited encounters
The 2010s were marked by heightened cross-border tensions, particularly following the 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack, which significantly affected cricketing relations between India and Pakistan. During this decade, the two teams primarily faced each other in ICC tournaments, with their World Cup encounters evolving into high-stakes clashes watched by millions. The 2011 World Cup semi-final in Mohali, attended by then-Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Yousuf Raza Gilani, represented a fleeting moment of cricket diplomacy.
The 2019 World Cup match, held shortly after the Balakot airstrikes, was charged with nationalistic fervor, and India’s decisive victory was perceived as more than just a sporting win, further deepening the cricketing divide. The decade saw a decline in bilateral series due to escalating political tensions, with the 2008 Mumbai attacks straining relations.
The 2020s: Deep state involvement, grey zone warfare (Terrorism)
In recent years, the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has been impacted by the rise of grey zone warfare, proxy conflicts, and the deepening anti-Modi sentiment in Pakistan given the deep state influence. Bilateral series remain suspended, and the two teams only meet in ICC tournaments. The 2021 T20 World Cup clash in Dubai, where Pakistan defeated India for the first time in a World Cup match, was a historic moment for Pakistani cricket fans. The match was played in a neutral venue, reflecting the complexities of the political relationship.
Rivalry and comradeship amidst the chaos
Despite the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, numerous instances of camaraderie have emerged among players from both sides. Amid political hostilities, athletes have often shown mutual respect and friendship. Legends like Kapil Dev and Imran Khan, as well as Sachin Tendulkar and Wasim Akram, exemplified this spirit.
More recently, Virat Kohli’s gesture of gifting his bat to Mohammad Amir and his admiration for Babar Azam showcased the bond between players. Moments like MS Dhoni interacting with Pakistani youngsters and Shoaib Akhtar praising Indian cricketers highlight the human side of the rivalry, proving that cricket can transcend political boundaries.
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry encapsulates the shared history and intricate relationship between the two nations. Evolving through conflict and diplomacy, it has produced unforgettable moments in cricketing history. While political and military events often overshadow the sport, cricket serves as a powerful symbol of hope and unity. As both nations navigate their complex ties, this rivalry continues to engage fans, highlighting the ability of sport to bridge divides.
Deeply intertwined with history, war, and diplomacy, India-Pakistan cricket remains a captivating narrative, showcasing both the challenges and the potential for camaraderie between two passionate cricketing nations.
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(The writer is a counter-terrorism expert and a visiting faculty with Pune University (SPPU) at the Department of Defense and Strategic Studies. He is also the founder & editor-in-chief at Diplomacy Direct, a public interest think-tank. Contact: [email protected])
