Cricket has always been more than just a sport in South Asia; it’s an emotion. And despite the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, moments of mutual admiration often steal the limelight. One such instance occurred outside the National Stadium in Karachi when Pakistani fans were heard chanting “Kohli! Kohli!” and “RCB! RCB!” ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Viral Moment That Took the Internet by Storm
In a heartwarming yet unexpected turn of events, Pakistani cricket fans showcased their admiration for Indian star batter Virat Kohli. The moment, captured on video, quickly went viral across social media. Several fans were seen wearing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) jerseys, and some even claimed, “Mai hu Virat Kohli!” (I am Virat Kohli!), while another added, “Mai Pakistan se hu magar Virat Kohli ko support karta hu.”
Fans chant 'Kohli, Kohli' and 'RCB, RCB' outside Karachi Stadium in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/nTQ7r8bK4A
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 14, 2025
Virat Kohli’s Unwavering Popularity in Pakistan
Despite the historic cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan, Kohli’s impact on the sport transcends borders. His aggressive gameplay, unmatched consistency, and charismatic leadership have won him millions of fans worldwide, including in Pakistan.
In the past, there have been multiple instances where Pakistani fans expressed their admiration for Kohli. From hoisting banners supporting him during matches to discussing his techniques on social media, the admiration runs deep.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: A Fan Favorite in Pakistan?
The chants of “RCB! RCB!” prove that IPL’s influence extends beyond Indian borders. Despite Pakistani players being barred from the IPL, the league enjoys a vast following in Pakistan. RCB, being Kohli’s long-time franchise, naturally attracts attention. Pakistani fans resonate with RCB’s aggressive approach and their star-studded line-up over the years.
While Pakistani fans were busy chanting Kohli’s name, their own star batter, Babar Azam, faced criticism. In the recent Tri-Nation Series against New Zealand and South Africa, Babar struggled, scoring just 10, 23, and 29 runs. These underwhelming performances have raised concerns about his form ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Critics believe Babar needs to step up to cement his leadership and batting prowess in high-pressure tournaments.
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Campaign Begins
Meanwhile, the Indian team has already set off for Dubai to participate in the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy. India will open their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The squad includes stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav. However, two significant changes were made to the final squad: pacer Jasprit Bumrah was replaced by Harshit Rana due to injury, while Yashasvi Jaiswal made way for spinner Varun Chakravarthy.
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