The rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket is one of the most intense and celebrated in the sport. Although the two teams haven’t played a bilateral series since 2012-13, their encounters in ICC events attract significant attention. The fervor extends beyond the matches, with fans from both nations often clashing on social media. A recent incident during the England vs Pakistan T20I series has ignited a fresh debate online.
A video from the series shows Pakistani players walking past a TV displaying the final of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), contested between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
This clip has sparked a debate among Indian and Pakistani fans online, with opinions divided over the significance of the players’ actions.
The strained relations between India and Pakistan have resulted in Pakistani players being excluded from the IPL for several seasons, adding to the tension. The video, widely shared on social media, shows Pakistani players in a lounge area, seemingly ignoring the IPL final playing on a nearby television.
Shortly after the video surfaced, Pakistani fans began claiming their players were “ignoring the IPL final,” leading to a heated exchange of words between fans from both countries. A Pakistani supporter commented, “On the one hand, the final match of IPL was playing on the big screen and the Pakistan team was ignoring it. Sorry IPL, no respect for you.”
Watch viral video here:
On the one hand, the final match of IPL was playing on the big screen and the Pakistan team was ignoring it. Sorry IPL No Respect for you 🤡 #PAKvsENG #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/97Gz8BuLzK
— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) May 29, 2024
An Indian fan countered,
“Is that even relevant? Does it make an iota of difference to IPL if these cricketers ignored the final on TV?”
Is that even relevant? does it make an iota of difference to IPL if these cricketers ignored to watch the final on TV?
— Abhiram (@plungeinentropy) May 30, 2024
This incident is the latest chapter in the ongoing India vs Pakistan fan rivalry, illustrating the deep-seated emotions and national pride tied to cricket in both countries.
