India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2024: ‘Aloo’ Inzamam to Shoaib blocking Sachin – India-Pakistan cricket controversies

India to take on Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2024 on June 9

This is a rivalry that generates a lot of heat, on and off the pitch. From Asif Iqbal’s controversial call at the toss before a Test match in 1980, Inzmam-ul-Haq charging at an Indian fan who had called him ‘Aloo [Potato]’ in Toronto and Shoaib Akhtar apparently blocking Sachin Tendulkar and eventually forcing a run-out — there were many incidents that caused flare-ups in India-Pakistan matches.

Truth be told, most of these issues died down pretty early so as to not cause any permanent bad blood between the players of the two countries. But it also can’t be denied that they generated a lot of talk when they took place. The Sachin-Shoaib collision, in particular, led to massive crowd unrest at Eden Gardens in a Test in 1999 that India eventually lost.

And then, throw in these tales like Wasim Akram pulling out of the World Cup quarter-final in 1996, Venkatesh Prasad uprooting the stumps of Aamer Sohail after being insultingly gestured at right before that delivery in the same match, and Navjot Singh Sidhu brandishing his bat like a sword at Sohail in Sharjah — there are many stories that made headlines beyond the wins and losses.

With time, nerves have smoothened, the temperamental explosions have reduced and the degree of tension has come down noticeably. These cricketers are asked to behave as ambassadors of the two countries and that’s what they do. Still, an amount of tension bordering on controversy lingers when it comes to India versus Pakistan. Nobody wants it, but it’s unavoidable.

Will it be the same when the perennial rivals cross swords in New York in the T20 World Cup? It’s a huge moment for a game trying to expand its base and venturing into uncharted territory. On the success of this fixture hinges the commerce of cricket to a huge extent. It’s safe to guess that there will be nothing untoward, but don’t discount tension.

A cornered Pakistan staring at elimination from the competition will come hard at India. The Men in Blue will not back off either, for this is their golden chance to stamp their authority against Pakistan and also on the tournament. In all likelihood, there will be nervy moments. Players will get close to crossing the line. Bad blood? There might be some.

Don’t rule out controversy. There is bound to be some of it when it comes to a volatile team like Pakistan. On the Indian side, too, there are characters who don’t hold back if incited. So fasten seat belts and get ready for some high-voltage action in a charged-up atmosphere.

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