What Happened When India Last Played Cricket In Pakistan?

India hasn't toured Pakistan since 2008 [Source: @SajSadiqCricket/x.com]India hasn't toured Pakistan since 2008 [Source: @SajSadiqCricket/x.com]

India’s recent call to skip the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan has left fans with mixed feelings. Sure, the security concerns have been there, but there was still a ray of hope we’d see an IND vs PAK contest on Pakistan’s home turf. With India now pulling out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, fans can’t help but drift back to the last time the Men in Blue played on Pakistani soil.

When Did India Last Play In Pakistan?

It was during the Asia Cup 2008. Karachi and Lahore were buzzing back then with India and Pakistan locking horns in matches that had fans on the edge of their seats.

India started their 2008 Asia Cup campaign with a massive statement win. Facing Hong Kong in Karachi, Dhoni and Raina went berserk as both hit centuries. India ended up posting a monstrous 374, and Hong Kong didn’t stand a chance. Piyush Chawla led the bowling charge, snagging four wickets and bundling them out for 118.

The Big Match – India vs Pakistan

Next up was the clash every fan was waiting for: India vs Pakistan. Shoaib Malik led from the front with an excellent 125 as Pakistan set India a huge target of 299. However, then came India’s explosive opener, Virender Sehwag who went on a rampage and scored 119 off just 95 balls, helping India chase down the target with utmost ease.


Notably, India and Pakistan met again in the Super Four, but this time, Pakistan had their moment. MS Dhoni contributed a steady 76, helping India post 308. But Pakistan’s Younis Khan (123*) and Misbah-ul-Haq (70*) stitched together a match-winning partnership and handed India an eight-wicket defeat.


Despite the loss, India kept their cool, won their remaining games against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and booked their spot in the final.

The Final

The final against Sri Lanka was set – India was ready to lift the cup. Sri Lanka stumbled early, losing big names like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene for next to nothing.

But then Sanath Jayasuriya (125) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (56) dug in and took on the Indian bowlers, guiding Sri Lanka to a decent total of 273.

India commenced the chase on formidable note with Sehwag smashing it all around. But then, the real twist – Ajantha Mendis. His mystery spin turned the game around, taking six wickets for just 13 runs. India was bowled out for 173, falling short by 100 runs.

That was the last time India and Pakistan played on each other’s soil. Since then, it’s only been ICC events or neutral grounds. Sixteen years and counting, fans are still waiting for the next face-off in Pakistan. But until then, the memories from 2008 will have to do.