India vs Pakistan: Perhaps, this generation of players has learned to treat cricket just as a sport, or they are bold enough to take a call on these matters for themselves
Shaheen Afridi of Pakistan and Virat Kohli of India shake hands. (Pic: Getty images)
The sight of Virat Kohli and Haris Rauf hugging each other and exchanging bouts of laughter was not a mere put-on. There was a touching genuineness to it. But that moment on Saturday has more significance to it than its temporary value.
ADVERTISEMENT
It was emblematic of the evolving relationship between Indian and Pakistani cricket players, so different from the edgy political connection between these two South Asian neighbours.
A day before the big game, Kohli also met Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan and shared a few campfire moments. Alongside, Mohammed Siraj held a mini pace bowlers' conclave with Rauf, discussing the Pallekele pitch. The pictures and videos went viral on social media and were celebrated.
The atmosphere remained cordial on match day. Naseem Shah was stopped in his tracks by Indian opener Shubman Gill as he wanted the sightscreen to be adjusted. Naseem sported a smile rather than those gruff speed merchants, who would give a red-eyed stare. A sign of changing times.
Shaheen Shah Afridi repeatedly beat the bat and smiled wryly rather than having some rude advice for batters like some of his seniors from the past decades would do.
It would have been an astonishing sight for a fan from the 80s or 90s. Back then, the cricketers seldom engaged in such a public display of camaraderie, and it was even looked down upon. Behind the stage though, they remained friends.
Imran Khan and Wasim Akram used to drop into New Delhi or Mumbai on private invitations or the players sat around a table in a posh Dubai hotel to share some stories. But not so much in daylight.
Also Read: IND vs PAK: Another top order collapse leaves India on the brink!
Perhaps, this generation of players has learned to treat cricket just as a sport, or they are bold enough to take a call on these matters for themselves.
When Kohli was going through a modest phase with the bat, Pakistan captain Babar Azam posted a supportive message through his X (formerly Twitter) account.
It wasn't an effort to win a few thousand quick social media followers, rather it was a well-meaning line from another international cricketer who understands the demands of the sport at the highest level.
But the fans from both sides of the border, at times, cross the limits.
The troll gangs enter the social media battlefield armed with contrived stats and memes, trying to establish the superiority of either Kohli or Babar. It can take an ugly turn in seconds.
But both Babar and Kohli remain immune to this online frenzy. In fact, Kohli recently termed the Pakistan skipper as the best all-format player in today's game.
Despite all the expanding bonhomie, a good number of fans will treat an Indo-Pak match as a matter of life and death.
Remember, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi was once dragged to Lahore High Court for saying he was loved more in India.
Such fanatic acts will still be there. Perhaps, a few TV sets will be thrown down from the balcony, or photos of cricketers will be garlanded with sandals after their team's defeat.
But the cricketers have shown that they are not carrying the baggage of unsorted relations in their minds.
(With PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
