When it comes to cricket action, there is no love lost between India and Pakistan. The arch-rivals and neighbours will meet in a T20 World Cup 2021 match in Dubai on October 24.
On both sides, the war of words has already begun, with official broadcasters Star Sports joining in with the launch of the "Mauka, Mauka" campaign. Against Babar Azam's Pakistan, Virat Kohli's Indian team will seek to keep their undefeated World Cup record intact.
"I told Shoaib Akhtar that there's no sense in Pakistan participating; you should give us a walkover. You'll play, you'll lose again, and you'll be upset." On Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh remarked, "Our squad is extremely solid, very powerful, and they will easily beat you guys.”
Office of the Kolkata Knight Riders During their playing days, Harbhajan and Akhtar were involved in a number of on-field brawls. During the 2010 Asia Cup encounter between India and Pakistan, the Indian off-spinner even blasted Akhtar for a memorable six during his match-winning cameo. Harbhajan didn't miss out on pulling Akhtar's leg, despite the fact that the two opponents subsequently became friends.
The off-assertion spinner's is reasonable, given that Pakistan has yet to defeat India in a World Cup match. India has won all 12 World Cup matches between the two teams — seven in one-day internationals and five in Twenty20 internationals. This time, it will be up to Babar's squad to defy history.
Pakistan has announced a powerful team, including players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Mohammad Hafeez. The last time the two sides met was in the 2019 World Cup group stages. India cruised to victory in the rain-shortened match by 89 runs.