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'Chatting And...,' Sarfaraz Ahmed Confirms Indian Cricketers' Strong Ties With Pakistan

Arnav Chopra

Virat Kohli and Shadab Khan (Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com)Virat Kohli and Shadab Khan (Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com)

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Former Pakistani captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has highlighted the relationship between Indian and Pakistan players. Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy, explained that the players from both nations have a great camaraderie on & off the field.

Sarfaraz Ahmed Speaks On Relationship Between India-Pakistan Players

Times have gone when Indian and Pakistani cricketers used to face off and fight on the field. The new generation of players now gracefully respect each other and spend time together even when off the field during matches. This was revealed by Pakistan's former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, who, in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, disclosed that players respect each other.

Ahmed, who has played an influential role in Pakistan cricket, explained that India and Pakistan, despite not playing any bilateral series together due to ongoing political tensions, have still managed to form a good bond with people from the opposing nation.

According to him, both sides play each other only during the ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup, where playing back-to-back matches helps as the Indo-Pak players spend time off the field, especially during rain breaks. Speaking on this further, he said there have been improved relations between the cricketers.

"While the lack of bilateral series has affected interactions to some extent, the matches that do take place, especially back-to-back encounters, have led to improved relations,"

Additionally, he mentioned that there's a lot of mutual respect and friendship between them, as Indian legends like Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni often talk to him and other players, as they enjoy each other's company and discuss various things related to cricket. 

Moreover, he was very respectful and courteous towards the Indian players, who had previously respected him and his family.

"Whenever Indian and Pakistani players meet, there is always mutual respect and friendship, after matches it's not uncommon to see players like Shoaib Malik, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and others sitting together, chatting and enjoying each other's company."

India To Not Travel To Pakistan For CT 2025

Despite all this good feedback, the Indian cricketers will not travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 due to the political situation. The Indian government denied the players permission to travel to neighbouring country, and hence, the Men in Blue will be playing all their matches in Dubai.

The Champions Trophy 2025 begins on 19th February with the Pakistan-New Zealand game in Karachi, whereas India will then play next against Bangladesh on 20th February in Dubai. Furthermore, the blockbuster India-Pakistan game will take place on 23rd February at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.