Dhawan equates India-Pakistan match in Champions Trophy to war
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has underscored the high stakes of the upcoming India-Pakistan match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The much-anticipated clash between the two cricketing giants will be played in Dubai, owing to security concerns raised by India to play in Pakistan. Despite a dip in face-offs over the last few years, excitement for this rivalry is still sky-high.
Rivalry insight
Dhawan's perspective on the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry
In a Netflix documentary 'The Greatest Rivalry,' Dhawan described the electrifying atmosphere of an India-Pakistan match as "nothing less than a war." He emphasized that fans from both nations look forward to this high-profile clash, which often eclipses other matches in any tournament. "India-Pakistan match is no less than a war. Every player plays with all his heart and everything depends on that encounter. And it's fun," Dhawan said.
Personal ties
Dhawan's personal connection and aspirations to visit Pakistan
Dhawan, who has family roots in Karachi, said he wishes to visit Pakistan someday. However, he noted that this is contingent upon the changing political relations between India and Pakistan. "My family came from Karachi. I used to listen to stories from my grandmother about how life was. I wish to go back there but will only visit if things improve between India and Pakistan," the Indian stalwart concluded.
Past achievements
Dhawan's impressive performance in previous Champions Trophy
Dhawan had an incredible run in the 2013 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, where he was the top run-scorer with 363 runs at an average of 90.75. His aggressive batting style was instrumental in India's unbeaten streak in that tournament, which won him the Man of the Series award. The former Indian star recently retired from IPL and is leading Delhi Royals team in Legend 90 league in Raipur.