5 Indian Batsmen Pakistani Cricket Fans Love To Watch

Virat Kohli once said, “I have always been amazed by the love and affection I receive from fans, not just in India but Pakistan. It’s heartwarming to see the game bring people together despite our differences.” 

Cricket holds a place of unparalleled reverence in both India and Pakistan, transcending mere sport to become a unifying passion across the subcontinent. The game, introduced during British colonial rule, has evolved into a shared cultural phenomenon that captures the hearts of millions. This enthusiasm is evident in the widespread admiration for top cricketers, who enjoy fan followings that cross national boundaries. Players from both countries are celebrated for their prowess and sportsmanship, fostering mutual respect among fans. Indian batsmen, Pakistani fans and Pakistani Batsmen with Indian fans are common in the subcontinent.

India vs Pakistan- A Rivalry United by Fans Love

Indian captain Rohit Sharma recently praised Pakistani fans for appreciating Indian cricketers. He said that he would love to play in a Test series between the two arch-rivals if it ever took place. “Loved the messages from the Pakistani fans,” Sharma said with a smile. “I know they love their cricket. Every time, mainly when we are in the UK, these guys come and tell us how they love us. They appreciate Indian cricketers and love to watch some of us at big stages.” India and Pakistan are bitter political adversaries, and the two countries rarely play bilateral series against one another, meeting only at “neutral venues” during international tournaments.

Despite the fierce competition, the rivalry is also marked by moments of camaraderie and mutual respect, underscoring cricket’s unifying power.Here are some significant moments when Pakistani fans have supported Indian batsmen. We can see the Indian cricket star’s popularity in Pakistan:

1. Sachin Tendulkar’s Farewell Series (2013): During Sachin Tendulkar’s final Test series, Pakistani fans applauded his career achievements and even displayed banners in his honor. This outpouring of respect highlighted the admiration for Tendulkar’s talent and sportsmanship.

2. Virat Kohli’s Sand Picture: Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, has often received applause from Pakistani spectators for his masterful batting. Several fans of Virat Kohli from Pakistan dedicated a sand art picture on a beach in Gwadar, Balochistan. This gesture was particularly meaningful due to the social implications associated with it. Despite these differences, it was significant to see people from Pakistan showing appreciation for a cricketer.

3. Asia Cup (2018): In the 2018 Asia Cup, when Indian batsmen played exceptional innings, Pakistani fans in the stadium showed their sportsmanship by clapping and cheering. This demonstrated that, despite the rivalry, there is mutual respect for outstanding cricket performances.
4. M. S. Dhoni’s Popularity: Former Indian captain M. S. Dhoni has a substantial fan base in Pakistan. His calm demeanor and leadership have earned him respect, with Pakistani fans often expressing their admiration, particularly during his visits to cricket matches.

5. Asia Cup 2023: During the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 match, a Pakistani cricket fan mentioned that she had come to witness Kohli making a century. She added that she supported Pakistan but was also there for her favorite Indian cricketer. When another fan commented on the rivalry between the two teams, the Kohli fan said, “Is it bad to love your neighbors?”

6. Chacha Chicago: Mohammad Bashir, popularly known as Chacha Chicago, is an ardent fan of MS Dhoni. Since the 2011 World Cup, he has not missed a single India-Pakistan match. Dhoni also frequently provides Bashir with tickets to watch cricket matches. Recently, Bashir openly expressed that he is no longer a fan of the Pakistani cricket team and now supports India during matches. He emphasized that while he loves his country, his love for the Indian cricket team is greater.

7. Pakistani Fan Hugged Rohit Sharma: During the Asia Cup 2022, Rohit Sharma and the Indian cricket team practiced before the tournament. A group of Pakistani fans gathered outside the practice facilities to catch a glimpse of their favorite cricketers. Knowing he wouldn’t be allowed inside, one fan asked Sharma for a hug through the fences. Despite the barriers, Sharma reciprocated the hug, creating a heartwarming moment.

Indian Batsmen, Pakistan Fans: Top Indian Batsmen Loved by Pakistani Fans

Here are 5 Indian batsmen Pakistan loves. Let us look at their achievements, records, and how these Indian cricketers are loved by Pakistan cricket fans:

Sachin Tendulkar

• Achievements and Records: Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer in Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket history. He has scored 100 international centuries and amassed over 34,000 runs across all formats. He was the first player to score a double century in an ODI and has received numerous awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
• Popularity in Pakistan: In 1989, Sachin debuted for India against Pakistan when he was just 16 years old. During the match, he suffered a broken nose from a yorker delivered by Waqar Younis. Despite the injury, Sachin continued playing rather than seeking immediate medical attention, which won him the admiration of the Pakistani team, including Javed Miandad and Imran Khan, as well as Pakistani cricket fans. Even after his retirement, Sachin remained a favorite Indian batsman for Pakistani players. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time by Pakistani fans and former players.

Virat Kohli

• Achievements and Records: Kohli has over 70 international centuries and is one of the fastest players to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in ODIs. He has been named ICC Cricketer of the Year multiple times and has led India to numerous victories as captain.
• Popularity in Pakistan: Kohli’s aggressive style and consistent performances have earned him a massive following in Pakistan. His sportsmanship and respect for the game have endeared him to fans across the border.

Rahul Dravid

• Achievements and Records: Known as “The Wall,” Dravid scored over 13,000 runs in Tests and over 10,000 runs in ODIs. He holds the record for the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Test cricket and was known for his solid technique and temperament.
• Popularity in Pakistan: Dravid’s grace and resilience on the field have made him a respected figure in Pakistan. Pakistani cricket enthusiasts have appreciated his performances in high-pressure situations.

M. S. Dhoni

• Achievements and Records: Dhoni led India to victory in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He is known for his calm demeanor and finishing skills and is one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket history.
• Popularity in Pakistan: Dhoni’s leadership and cool-headed approach have earned him admiration in Pakistan. His ability to stay composed under pressure and his sportsmanship have made him popular among Pakistani fans.

Rohit Sharma

• Achievements and Records: Rohit holds the record for the highest individual score in an ODI (264 runs) and is the only player to score three double centuries in ODIs. He is also known for his success as a captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Mumbai Indians.
• Popularity in Pakistan: Rohit’s explosive batting style and record-breaking innings have made him a favorite among Pakistani cricket followers. His performances, especially in limited-overs cricket, are widely appreciated.

The cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan is well known. What happens when one of the two teams crashes out of the most celebrated cricket tournament? This is the most exciting part. It demonstrates the love shared by cricket fans of both countries. In 2023, Pakistanis supported the men in blue because they wanted the World Cup to remain in the subcontinent. “Since team Green is out of the World Cup… India is my favorite team now,” tweeted @MariamMustafa from Islamabad after Pakistan lost. And Mustafa isn’t the only one. Scores of Pakistani cricket fans pledged their support for India. Among the many things India and Pakistan have in common, love for cricket probably figures right at the top. The two countries share an illustrious cricketing history, with both producing world champions who grew up playing in maidans and gymkhanas. Over the years, players from both countries have taken to the 22 yards with immense passion and expressed respect for each other off the field. While Wasim Akram called Sachin Tendulkar “the best batsman in the history of the game”, Sunil Gavaskar hailed legendary batsman Javed Miandad “for possessing a rare skill of unsettling the opposition by just ‘talking’ and not having to resort to sledging.”

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FAQs on 5 Indian Batsmen Pakistani Cricket Fans Love

Why do Pakistani fans admire Indian batsmen?

Pakistani fans admire Indian batsmen for their exceptional skill, consistent performances, and sportsmanship. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and M. S. Dhoni have earned respect through their records and conduct on and off the field, fostering a mutual appreciation for cricketing excellence that transcends national boundaries.

Are there any notable instances of Pakistani fans supporting Indian batsmen?

Pakistani fans supported India in the ODI World Cup 2023. They wanted the cup to remain on the subcontinent.

Who is the most popular Indian batsman among Pakistani fans?

Sachin Tendulkar used to be their favorite. Later on, Dhoni and Kohli got their love. Cricket fans in Pakistan also love Rohit Sharma.

Who is Babar Azam’s favorite player?

Babar Azam loves Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Kane Williamson.