Inzamam-ul-Haq, a former captain and one of Pakistan’s most esteemed batsmen, has often shared his experiences of playing cricket in India, highlighting the intense rivalry and friendship among players.
The cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan is legendary, characterized by high stakes and fervent fan support. Inzamam has acknowledged the immense pressure of these encounters, noting that the infrequency of matches between the two nations amplifies the intensity. He remarked, “When you play just one match a year, that pressure is amplified.”
Despite the fierce competition, Inzamam emphasized the importance of team balance in such high-pressure games. “Earlier, we approached it as a team game; whichever team had the better balance had the upper hand.”
One such instance where Inzamam reflected on this balance was during the 2004 India-Pakistan Test series. In an interview, Inzamam recalled the incident with India’s Anil Kumble, reflecting on the brief yet fiery exchange that took place during the third Test match in Rawalpindi.
“I was batting, and Kumble was bowling really well. I was playing defensively, trying to frustrate the bowlers and get through the tough phases. But Kumble, being the aggressive competitor that he is, wasn’t happy with the way I was playing,” Inzamam said. “I’ve always tried to stay calm in these situations. There was a lot of pressure, sure, but I didn’t want to get distracted by any of the mental games. Still, the tension was building up, and we exchanged a few words. It was intense, but that’s what happens in a rivalry like India and Pakistan — emotions can get high.”
Inzamam continued, emphasizing that despite the heat of the moment, the situation never escalated further. “After the match, we were walking off the field, and we ended up putting our arms around each other’s shoulders. That’s the thing about cricket – there’s always rivalry, but at the end of the day, we respect each other as professionals.”
Reflecting on the competitive spirit, Inzamam also highlighted the friendship that exists among players from both sides. He recalled instances where Indian cricketers went out of their way to ensure their Pakistani counterparts felt comfortable, underscoring the mutual respect that transcends national boundaries.
One such moment occurred during the third and final Test match between Pakistan and India in Rawalpindi on April 15, 2004, when Inzamam congratulated Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid for his outstanding double century. Dravid scored an unbeaten 227 runs, helping India post a total of 525 for six wickets at the tea break. This moment exemplified Inzamam’s recognition of good cricket, irrespective of which side performed well.
In another instance, Inzamam shared a memorable moment with the Indian little master, Sachin Tendulkar, when the two were seen smiling and shaking hands after Pakistan’s victory in the fifth ODI at Green Park Cricket Stadium in Kanpur on April 15, 2005. This gesture highlighted the deep respect between the two cricketing icons, despite the fierce competition.
Inzamam also mentioned the hospitality extended by Indian cricketers during his tours to India. He noted that Indian players went out of their way to ensure their Pakistani counterparts felt comfortable.
Inzamam’s tours to India were also marked by passionate fan interactions. He observed that Indian fans, despite their fervor, appreciated good cricket. He recalled, “I remember how the crowd cheered when I played a good shot or made runs, even when Pakistan was not doing well.” This appreciation from the crowd, regardless of the match’s outcome, left a lasting impression on him.
However, not all fan interactions were positive. In 1997, during a match in Toronto, an Indian spectator repeatedly taunted Inzamam, calling him derogatory names related to his physique. This incident highlighted the intensity of emotions that could sometimes spill over into negative fan behavior.
Through these gestures, Inzamam-ul-Haq demonstrated that, despite the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, the relationships among the players were founded on mutual respect, sportsmanship, and the shared love for the game of cricket.
