India vs Pakistan: Looking back at the 5 most controversial moments in ODI history of the Asian rivals

• Image Credit: Google

• Sep 2, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Let's take a trip down memory lane to revisit the top five of these dramatic encounters...

Digital Desk: The cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan has always been more than just a game. It's a clash of emotions, pressure, and performance that captures the hearts of millions of fans on both sides. Over the past two decades, these two cricketing giants have provided some unforgettable moments, often shrouded in controversy. Let's take a trip down memory lane to revisit the top five of these dramatic encounters.

1. Javed Miandad Mimicks Kiran More (1992)

The stage was set during the 1992 Cricket World Cup, where India and Pakistan met for the first time in a World Cup match. It was Pakistan's batting when Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More's overzealous appeal got under the skin of Pakistani batsman Javed Miandad. Infuriated, Miandad responded by comically imitating More with exaggerated jumps and gestures, creating a memorable and light-hearted moment on the field.

2. Venkatesh Prasad Cleans Up Aamer Sohail (1996)

In the 1996 Cricket World Cup quarter-final, tensions escalated when Pakistan opener Aamer Sohail hit India's Venkatesh Prasad for a boundary and then pointed towards the boundary, seemingly challenging Prasad. The next delivery, however, saw Prasad clean up Sohail's stumps, silencing him and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

3. Gambhir and Afridi Collide, 'Unintentionally'! (2007)

The year 2007 witnessed an ODI match between India and Pakistan, and this time, it was Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi at the center of a controversy. Verbal exchanges followed Gambhir's aggressive batting display, and things took a physical turn as the two players collided while Gambhir was attempting a single. Umpires had to intervene to restore order in a heated moment.

4. Action Continues At Drinks Break (2010)

During an Asia Cup clash in 2010, Gautam Gambhir found himself at the center of controversy again. Kamran Akmal's excessive appealing from behind the stumps infuriated Gambhir to the point where their exchange of words spilled over into the drinks break, with tensions flaring even as other players sought respite. Umpires and teammates had to step in to calm the situation.

5. Harbhajan's Reply To Akhtar (2010)

In another Asia Cup match in 2010, Shoaib Akhtar attempted to rile up Harbhajan Singh with a dot ball in the penultimate over. However, Akhtar's tactics backfired spectacularly as Harbhajan responded by smashing a six, sealing the match for India. This clash of titans culminated in a triumphant Harbhajan, leaving no room for doubt about who had the last laugh.

These controversies, while adding spice to the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, also highlight the intense passion and competitive spirit that fuel this age-old clash. With each new encounter between these cricketing giants, fans can only anticipate more drama, more emotions, and undoubtedly more unforgettable moments on the field.