Nice sportsmanship gesture by rivals.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan is legendary in international cricket, but there have been numerous off-field interactions between players from both squads that have captured fans' hearts everywhere. One such occurrence occurred when Shaheen Afridi approached Jasprit Bumrah with a very unusual present after the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 game was called off due to rain. Shaheen had a present for Bumrah when his wife Sanjana Ganesan gave birth to a baby boy earlier this week. Shaheen complimented him and expressed his wish for him and his family to continue enjoying their lives as the two fast bowlers hugged one other.
Spreading joy 🙌Shaheen Afridi delivers smiles to new dad Jasprit Bumrah 👶🏼🎁#PAKvIND | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/Nx04tdegjX— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 10, 2023
Before to their competition group stage encounter, the cricketers from India and Pakistan were also spotted having fun together, with Virat Kohli interacting with Shaheen and others in the changing room.
In the Super Four round of the Asia Cup on Sunday, rain sent a titanic match between India and Pakistan into a reserve day after just 24.1 overs of play.
With Pakistan's decision to bowl first in Colombo, rain prematurely terminated India's innings. They will continue the 50-over match on Monday on 147-2.
The Super Four matchup was given an extra day at the last minute after a previous group matchup between the two teams in Pallekele was postponed due to rain. This matchup was the only one to receive the advantage aside from the championship game.
The organisers are in a panic because of the rain in Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament with Pakistan. The competition serves as a warm-up for the 2018 ODI World Cup.