India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, was recently spotted enjoying a light-hearted moment with a Pakistani cricket fan, a video of which has gone viral on social media since. The clip shows Yadav, who was with his wife, Devisha Shetty, sharing a laugh with two Pakistani fans sitting in their vicinity. What was noteworthy was the amicable bonhomie between the two groups, a welcome sight in the face of the cutthroat on-field competition.
In the short video, Suryakumar was initially photographed taking selfies with the two Pakistani supporters. Next, the female in the group herself took a photograph of the Indian cricketer, extending to the sentimental exchange. Such an unusual bout of sportsmanlike conduct as well as a symbol of international appreciation hit home with both the countries’ cricket fans.
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The clip seems to be of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where the much-anticipated India-Pakistan confrontation was being staged on February 23 as part of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Suryakumar and speed bowler Mohammed Siraj were some of the major deletions from the Indian team for the tournament.
Suryakumar Yadav poses with a Pakistani fan 🇵🇰🇮🇳♥️#INDvsPAK #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/CUHBhOjWM3
— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) February 23, 2025
Simultaneously, on the ground, India maintained their supremacy over Pakistan with a resounding six-wicket win. The Men in Blue chased down a 242-run target easily, strengthening their hold in the semifinals even further.
Pakistan, having decided to bat first, could not gain momentum and were bowled out for 241. Saud Shakeel was the lone warrior with a battling 62 from 76 balls, while captain Mohammad Rizwan toiled to 46 from 77. But their efforts were in vain to counter India’s batting prowess.
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With this victory, India goes undefeated in the tournament, more or less ensuring their semifinal berth. Pakistan, meanwhile, is in for a tough task, with two consecutive losses relegating them to the edge of elimination. Their last group match now becomes a do-or-die encounter, as well as depending on other outcomes to maintain their narrow hopes of qualification.
