Virat Kohli Meets Pakistani Players Before Asia Cup Match

Before their clash in the Asia Cup, Indian middle-order batsman Virat Kohli met with Pakistani players at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Kohli, aged 34, had interactions with Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi as the arch-rivals prepared to face off the following day.

During the practice session, Kohli and Rauf greeted each other with smiles and a warm hug, creating a touching moment. Afterward, Kohli engaged in a friendly chat with Shadab and Rizwan, sharing laughter. Afridi joined them later, and Kohli extended his greetings to him as well. The three players conversed for a while, while Rauf was seated nearby.

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In a video from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Indian captain Rohit Sharma also met with his Pakistani counterpart Babar Azam and opener Imam-ul-Haq. Over the past two years, Pakistani and Indian cricketers have built a strong camaraderie and shared memorable moments on and off the field.

Kohli was seen chatting with Babar Azam and Rizwan, particularly after Pakistan’s historic victory against India in the T20 World Cup 2021. Kohli emphasized the challenge of playing against Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack in an interview, urging his teammates to be at their best. The high-stakes India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup is always an exciting contest, with both teams featuring a wealth of talent and impactful bowlers. The group match between Pakistan and India is scheduled for September 2, with the possibility of additional encounters in the super-four stage and the final if both teams progress.