Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra posted a video on his Twitter account, promoting more India-Pakistan ties in future. The archrivals barely play cricket because of political differences. The only times they play against each other are either in Asia Cup, Champions Trophy or World Cup. The last time two teams played a bilateral series was in 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India. Teams have started touring Pakistan of late after the unfortunate terror attack on Sri Lankan team in 2009.
The last time India toured Pakistan was in 2006 whereas Pakistan’s last tour of India was in 2013. Since then, the two sides have played 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is against each other in various tournaments, including Champions Trophy 2017 where India won in group stages and Pakistan won the final.
After a gap of over a year, India will play Pakistan in Asia Cup on September 19. There might be a few more matches between the two as the tournament progresses. Pakistan are currently the No 1 T20I team whereas India are ranked No 2. A contest between the two is an edge-of-the-seat thriller for fans and cricket pundits around the world.
In his match-preview ‘#AakashVani’, Chopra also expressed that India vs Pakistan rivalry is bigger than the Ashes. He advocated for more India-Pakistan matches. Here’s the video he posted —
#Pakistan is the top ranked T20I team in the world. #India is 2nd. One relies on its bowling while the other has a formidable batting lineup. Why don’t we see these two T20I powerhouses take on each other more often? #AakashVani pic.twitter.com/uoLBRlyeTK
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) July 25, 2018
His preview got mixed responses. However, Chopra singled out one user who criticised him and gave a reason for his opinion —
India is playing Pakistan on the 19th. Asia Cup. Trade is working as usual between two countries. Why target only bilateral cricket ties? #IndvPak #AakashVani https://t.co/z1UM8jvGru
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) July 25, 2018
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India recently won the three-match T20I series against England whereas Pakistan won the T20I tri-series which included Zimbabwe and Australia. Pakistan have won 11 out of 13 T20Is they have played this year and will pose a threat to India in Asia Cup 2018.
