With just a day to go before India and Pakistan face each other in Champions Trophy, both sets of fans cannot wait to see the latest chapter unfold, in the most passionate cricketing rivalry in the world. Social media has been flooded with messages, as fans try to get one up over their opposite number before in the big match. From the latest ‘Mauka-Mauka’ ad, to former players talking about their favorite memories, the India-Pakistan build up has reached a fever pitch. So much so, that former players have started having a go at each other, as Gautam Gambhir lashes out at Shahid Afridi in a recent interview.
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Gambhir, who is fondly remembered as one of best opening batsman that India has produced, recently responded to a disparaging comment passed by Shahid Afridi. Mr ‘Boom Boom’ said that he would love to be friends with every Indian cricketer apart from Gautam Gambhir. This is because, Afridi felt that Gambhir did not wish to be friends with anyone on the field.
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But the Delhi opener has given a fitting reply, saying that Afridi’s brain has not developed according to his age. He also added that he maintained good relations with all Pakistani players, but things of course changed once they took the field.
Former Pakistan pacer, Shoaib Akhtar laughed this exchange off, as he said that both Afridi and Gambhir are good people and he won’t be surprised if they hug each other the next time they meet.
Gambhir and Afridi were famously involved in an on field bust-up when they faced each other many years ago. Not that this was out of the ordinary in an India-Pakistan match! Such outbursts of passion is what makes this rivalry so special.
Let’s see if any such moment occurs on the field tomorrow.
