The DP World ILT20 2025 ended on a thrilling note with the Dubai Capitals winning their first title in a hard-fought four-wicket victory over the Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 9. Though the match on the field saw some high-intensity action, an off-field moment between Harbhajan Singh and Shoaib Akhtar added another layer of entertainment to cricketing fans.
The legendary Indian spinner and the former Pakistani fast bowler, known for their fierce on-field rivalry, engaged in a playful exchange that quickly caught the attention of the crowd. In a staged yet humorous moment, Harbhajan took a batting stance while Akhtar held the ball, both adopting aggressive postures as if ready for a heated battle.
However, the scene soon turned into a friendly interaction, highlighting the camaraderie between the two former cricketers. The light-hearted banter did seem to remind the duo of their earlier days, when the battles were just between them and also generated enough hype for the most awaited India-Pakistan encounter in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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To be staged in Pakistan and Dubai, the marquee contest remains one of the most electrifying fixtures in world cricket. The Champions Trophy, meanwhile, commences on 19 February and the defending champion Pakistan takes on New Zealand at Karachi.
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The Indian team’s campaign begins on 20 February against Bangladesh while their most hyped encounter comes against Pakistan on 23 February in Dubai, and they wrap up the league stage with the match against New Zealand on March 2. The other groups in the championship are comprised of Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
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This edition of the Champions Trophy follows a hybrid model, with Pakistan and the UAE sharing hosting duties. Due to political tensions, India opted not to travel to Pakistan, prompting the relocation of some matches to Dubai. While Pakistan visited India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, India’s last tour of Pakistan dates back to the 2008 Asia Cup. Since their last bilateral series in 2012-13, India and Pakistan have only met in multi-nation ICC and ACC events, making every encounter a high-stakes affair.
