At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 9, the Dubai Capitals defeated the Desert Vipers by four wickets to win their first title in the DP World ILT20 2025, setting up an exciting finish.
The fun banter between Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh steals the event.
The final was made more exciting by the playful rekindling of the on-field rivalry between former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh.
Harbhajan was spotted getting ready to bat as Akhtar was holding a ball in a manufactured but entertaining scene. Both players assumed an aggressive attitude as they approached one another, giving the impression of a heated face-off, but it turned out to be a friendly exchange.
India-Pakistan rivalry in the Champions Trophy
The playful interaction was a nod to the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the upcoming Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan and Dubai. The video encapsulated the excitement and competitive spirit surrounding the high-stakes encounter between the two cricketing nations.
Watch the video here:
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India vs Pakistan clash on February 23 in Champions Trophy 2025
In the meanwhile, Pakistan, the hosts and reigning champions, will play New Zealand in Karachi on February 19 to begin the 2025 Champions Trophy. The highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. The two other teams in the group are New Zealand and Bangladesh. India will play New Zealand on March 2 and Bangladesh on February 20. South Africa, Australia, England, and Afghanistan make up the other group.
Hybrid hosting format for Champions Trophy 2025
A hybrid format is being used to host the eight-team event, with the UAE serving as the other location in addition to Pakistan after India declined to visit due to the tense political relations between the two countries. India last visited Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup, whereas Pakistan had already visited India for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Since 2012–13, the two teams have only met at multi-team ICC and ACC competitions; they have not played any bilateral cricket.
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