Virat Kohli & Babar Azam
Virat Kohli & Babar Azam. Image Credits: Twitter

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said that the amiable scenes between India and Pakistan players was heartwarming and represented respect toward each other.

Seven-time Asia Cup champions India will take on Babar Azam and his men in the first match of Asia Cup 2022 on Sunday evening.

The Men in Blues will have revenge on their cards after the 10-wicket defeat in the T20 World Cup last year. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan dominated in the 152-run chase with the duo maximising the dew factor coming into play in the second innings in Dubai.

Ahead of the high-octane clash, players from the sides were seen mingling with each other. The likes of Virat Kohli and Babar greeting each other was a trending picture on social media with fans of both teams amazed with it.

Rohit Sharma Babar Azam
Rohit Sharma Babar Azam. Image Credits: Twitter

Was actually touched by the way they met Shaheen Afridi: Babar Azam on Indian players’ gesture

Indian players like KL Rahul, Kohli, Yuzvendra Chahal and Rishabh Pant went to enquire about injured Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi about his health. Captains of both teams were also having a chat just a day before their game.

“I was actually touched by the way they (India players) met Shaheen Shah Afridi during Thursday’s training session and expressed their support to him,” Babar said in a press conference on Saturday. 

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Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi catching up with Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli & Yuzvendra Chahal ahead of India vs Pakistan Clash on Sunday. Image Credits: Twitter

“The visuals of the players interacting with each other were also heartwarming and reflected the respect and friendship they enjoy. But on the match day, everything will be kept aside and players from either side will come hard at each other in an effort to overpower the other,” he added.

We have a squad full of quality cricketers: Babar Azam 

The Pakistan captain backed his teammates to play with their A-level game and did not bother about Shaheen’s absence in the Asia Cup.

“I have always believed you don’t need any additional motivation to play and perform for Pakistan. Representing your country at a global stage itself is a huge honour and pride, and the objective is always to make the country proud,” Babar said in a statement posted on PCB’s official website.

“We have a squad full of quality cricketers and match-winners, who will step-up in the absence of Shaheen Shah Afridi and take additional responsibility during the tournament. In the 2021 T20 World Cup, we have already demonstrated we are not a one-man squad. In five league matches, we had five different player of the matches,” Babar added.

India and Pakistan will play at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday evening.

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