The age-old rivalry between India and Pakistan on the field are cherished by every cricket fan. Even the cricketers speak about the equation these two countries share on the 22yards. Shoaib Malik, former Pakistan all-rounder believes that the rivalry should be brought back for the sake of world cricket.
Shoaib Malik on India-Pakistan rivalry
If every cricket world cup has one fixture the whole cricket world is crazy about, it is the match between India and Pakistan. Due to the political tension between the two neighbours, regular bilateral series between these two countries are not played now. But whenever they face each other in any ICC event, it shows the popularity of the rivalry amongst the fans. Speaking about the same, Shoaib Malik said to PakPassion.net, “I think the world badly needs this rivalry to resume, in the same way, that world cricket needs the Ashes.”
The veteran questioned, “Could England and Australia imagine Test cricket without an Ashes series? Both series are played with the same kind of passion and have such a great history, so it is a shame that we don’t play right now.”
Malik shares his memories
He further shared the love and equation the cricketers have for each other from two countries. “Also, I have Pakistani friends who love to talk about Indian cricketers with respect and admiration. Similarly, I and my Pakistan team-mates are given such love and support when we play in India so it is a rivalry that I would like to see return as soon as it is possible.”
While asked about his favourite memories of playing against India, Malik recalled the Kolkata ODI in 2004 where Pakistan chased down 293 to win the match just before Eid. “But I also enjoyed the one-off ODI in Kolkata in 2004 when we chased 293 to win. It was a day before Eid and the atmosphere inside Eden Gardens in that floodlit match was incredible.”
