Afghanistan-Pakistan Rivalry: Intensity Surpasses India-Pakistan Matches

Afghanistan-Pakistan Rivalry: Intensity Surpasses India-Pakistan Matches

Former India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja, who served as Afghanistan's mentor during the 2023 ODI World Cup, has revealed that the intensity between Afghanistan and Pakistan during matches is significantly higher than that of India and Pakistan.

Jadeja recalled Afghanistan's historic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the World Cup, describing the winning team's behavior as "bin piye sharaabi" (intoxicated without alcohol). Afghanistan chased down a target of 283 runs in 49 overs, securing their first-ever ODI win against Pakistan.

"That day, I witnessed players getting high without consuming alcohol," Jadeja said on Caught Behind.

Jadeja's appointment as Afghanistan's mentor coincided with the team's historic victory. Ibrahim Zadran was named Player of the Match for his 87-run knock off 113 balls.

"When friends asked me how I felt, I told them to multiply the intensity of an India-Pakistan match by 10. Everyone is surprised when they hear this," Jadeja added.

Former Pakistan player Rashid Latif echoed Jadeja's sentiments, recalling a similar experience when he coached Afghanistan at the 2023 Asian Games. "After Afghanistan's victory over Pakistan, I also saw players getting high without alcohol," Latif said.

In the Asian Games semi-finals, Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by four wickets, chasing down a target of 116 runs with 13 balls to spare.

In the ongoing T20 World Cup, Afghanistan is placed in Group C alongside West Indies, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. Pakistan, meanwhile, is in Group A with India, Ireland, Canada, and the United States.

Tags: #AfghanistanCricket, #PakistanCricket, #AjayJadeja, #RashidLatif, #ODIWorldCup