Five defining moments in Pakistan-India on-field controversies

The Champions Trophy group match in Dubai served as a timely reminder of the intense and often controversial encounters that have punctuated the long-standing cricket rivalry between Pakistan and India.

Over nearly two decades, several on-field incidents have left an indelible mark on the history of these two nations’ cricketing battles.

In a 1992 World Cup match, Pakistan’s Javed Miandad reacted to what he perceived as excessive appeals from Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More by performing a kangaroo-like jump after completing a run.

The light-hearted gesture, though met with amusement by some, drew a stern reaction from Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin.

The 1996 World Cup quarter-final witnessed another pivotal moment when Pakistani opener Aamer Sohail, after scoring a boundary, engaged in sledging towards Indian bowler Venkatesh Prasad.

Prasad’s immediate dismissal of Sohail on the next ball shifted the match’s momentum, leaving a lasting impression on spectators.

Another contentious incident unfolded in 1997 when Pakistan’s Inzamam-ul-Haq was provoked by derogatory chants from an Indian fan in the stands.

Accused of being insulted over his physique, Inzamam left his boundary post and confronted the heckler before security intervened, resulting in later disciplinary action.

In 2007, the rivalry heated up during a clash between Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir and Pakistani spinner Shahid Afridi.

Following a boundary, both players exchanged sharp words and nearly escalated into a physical altercation—a confrontation that underscored the fiery competitive spirit inherent in their matches.

The final incident, dating back to the 2010 Asia Cup, involved Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh.

After Akhtar’s sledging remarks during India’s run chase, Harbhajan struck back with a decisive six in the final over, an act that not only clinched the game for India but also led to a jubilant celebration, later humorously re-enacted by the duo in a promotional event.