India and Pakistan would face-off in a blockbuster Asia Cup clash in Dubai on September 14. This match is different, for it is taking place against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. Over the years, the clash between the arch-rivals has had some controversial moments. (Photo: ICC and X)
2/7
Top 5 major controversial moments of India vs Pakistan matches. (Photo: AFP)
3/7
Security breach at Karachi, Srikkanth attacked: India were touring Pakistan in 1989-90 and it was the Karachi Test. A pitch invader in a Pathani suit attacked India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth, shouting “Kashmir” and “you Indians”. The man grabbed Srikkanth’s shirt and ripped it. The incident was serious enough for the tour to be called off. India, however, showed restraint. It was also Sachin Tendulkar’s debut series. (Photo: X)
4/7
Javed, the jumping jack: In cricket, bowlers and fielders usually sledge the batsman. In Javed Miandad’s case, it was different. He revelled in giving the bowlers a lip, from Dilip Doshi to Venkatesh Prasad. India wicketkeeper Kiran More, however, managed to get under the great batsman's skin through his constant chatting and appealing from behind the stumps. After a point, Miandad’s patience snapped. He started to jump up and down after completing a single. On air, Ian Chappell burst out laughing. Mohammad Azharuddin, the India captain, was furious. (Photo: X)
Inzy loses his cool: Inzamam-ul-Haq usually was cool as a cucumber while playing cricket. But in 1997, during an India-Pakistan game in Toronto, he confronted a fan in the stands who was heckling the player with the chants of “aloo”. Inzamam took a bat and barged into the stands, ostensibly to teach the offender a lesson. Security personnel made a timely intervention. Inzamam was reprimanded for his conduct. (Photo: X)
6/7
Tendulkar’s controversial run-out fans the flame: Circa 1999, and Eden Gardens erupted in anger after Sachin Tendulkar was controversially given run-out during an India-Pakistan Test. Shoaib Akhtar was involved, as his positioning didn't allow Tendulkar to complete the third run. It was an easy third run, but the batsman couldn't complete it because he collided with Shoaib. Tendulkar was given out on review and tensions boiled over. Police had to be deployed to clear the stands. Players went off the field. Play resumed only after Tendulkar came out on Jagmohan Dalmiya’s request to pacify the crowd.
7/7
Gambhir vs Afridi: In 2007, during a match between the two Asian giants, Shahid Afridi unleashed his verbal volleys after being hit for a four by Gautam Gambhir, who is now India’s head coach. The two nearly came to blows. They refused to back down and a collision ensued, seemingly on purpose, while taking a single. (Photo: X)
Shamik Chakrabarty is assistant editor, RevSportz. Views expressed are personal.
