Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan criticized the team’s friendly interactions with Indian players ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19. The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most intense in sports history, with their matches drawing unparalleled attention.
However, bilateral series between the two nations have been absent for over a decade due to off-field tensions. While they still compete in multinational tournaments like the World Cup and Asia Cup, the fierce on-field rivalry appears to have diminished.
Addressing the camaraderie between Pakistan and Indian players on a local show, Moin Khan stated [as quoted by Cricket Pakistan]:
“I just don’t get it when I watch Pakistan and India matches these days, as Indian players come into the crease, our players check their bats, pat them, have a friendly talk. When you get friendly, they see it as a sign of weakness.”
Moin Khan, who played in several intense India-Pakistan clashes during the 1990s and 2000s, featured in 49 ODIs against India, scoring three fifties at an average of nearly 27. He also played four Tests, averaging 22.50 with two half-centuries.
India Set to Clash with Pakistan in 2025 Champions Trophy
The India-Pakistan rivalry will reignite in the 2025 Champions Trophy when the two teams meet in their second group-stage match. Placed in Group A alongside New Zealand and Bangladesh, Pakistan will kick off their campaign against New Zealand on February 19, while India will face Bangladesh on February 20.
The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash is set for February 23 in Dubai. The arch-rivals last met in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India secured a thrilling six-run victory on their way to the title. Their most recent ODI encounter was in the 2023 World Cup, where India dominated with a seven-wicket win.
However, Pakistan can draw confidence from their triumph over India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where they claimed the title with a resounding victory.
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