Just a couple of days remain before two Asian giants renew their rivalry in a high-octane Asia Cup 2022 clash. Any match between India and Pakistan is greeted by intense scrutiny and verbal volleys between fans and sometimes, even players on the field are seen indulging in banter and sledging to get under the skin of the opposition. The emotions run high and players are always under pressure to put on a flawless display. All that matters is a win in order to secure the bragging rights.
Former India captain and legendary opening batter Virender Sehwag, who was part of numerous India-Pakistan match, recently spoke about the banter with opposition players while also underlining that what happens on the pitch stays on the ground and after the game, players of both teams are 'friends' off the ground.
"What I feel is that when India and Pakistan are on the ground, it's a difficult game. Everybody gives their best. If somebody is from India, the person plays to win the game for his team. If somebody is playing for Pakistan, the same thing happens. When we finish the match and return to the hotel, we spend time together. There is lot of love between us," Sehwag said in a video uploaded by Star Sports on YouTube.
"Some people say that there is tension between India and Pakistan, or that there is fight between Indian and Pakistan players, but I would like to say that nothing of that sort happens. You see the competition only on the field. Outside it we are friends, we behave as if one is the elder brother and the other the younger brother," he added.
The Asia Cup 2022 campaign will get underway on August 27 (Saturday) with India and Pakistan scheduled to face off on the following day.
