The India vs Pakistan rivalry is one of the most thrilling matchups in the history of cricket, filled with iconic performances, heated moments, and unforgettable controversies. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place on 23rd February at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, promises to add another chapter to this legendary rivalry.
While these two cricketing giants have provided some of the most exciting matches in India vs Pakistan ODI history, there have also been many controversial moments that have left a lasting impact. Here’s a look back at five such moments in India vs Pakistan ODI cricket that stirred emotions and became part of cricket folklore.
1. Javed Miandad’s Kangaroo Jump – 1992 World Cup
The 1992 World Cup match between India and Pakistan will always be remembered for the drama on the field. Javed Miandad, one of Pakistan’s greatest batsmen, had a memorable moment that still makes cricket fans smile today.
Miandad was frustrated with the repeated appeals from Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More behind the stumps. More had been incessantly talking, trying to distract the Pakistani batsman. After completing his run, Miandad made an unforgettable gesture: he began jumping around like a kangaroo, mocking the Indian keeper’s antics.
This act of defiance became iconic in the world of cricket, with fans and commentators laughing at the bizarre but entertaining display. This moment is still considered one of the most controversial and humorous moments in India vs Pakistan ODI cricket history.
2. Venkatesh Prasad’s Revenge – 1996 World Cup Quarterfinal
The 1996 World Cup quarterfinal between India and Pakistan witnessed one of the most intense rivalries between players. Pakistani opener Amir Sohail hit Venkatesh Prasad for a boundary and then mocked him by pointing at him, signaling how easy it was to hit a four.
However, Prasad had the last laugh. On the very next ball, he clean-bowled Sohail, dismissing him in an unforgettable moment of revenge. Prasad’s angry reaction to getting Sohail out was priceless, and his intense stare as he walked back to his mark became a symbol of his vindication. The crowd was ecstatic, and this incident became one of the most memorable and controversial moments of the 1996 World Cup quarterfinal.
3. Inzamam-ul-Haq Attacks a Fan – 1997
In a 1997 India vs Pakistan match, Inzamam-ul-Haq, known for his calm demeanor, showed a different side of himself. During the match, an Indian fan began mocking Inzamam’s weight, calling him a “potato.” Enraged by the taunt, the former Pakistani captain lost his temper.
Inzamam immediately instructed a teammate to bring a bat from the dressing room. After the over, the player was seen walking toward the stands, ready to confront the fan. This incident escalated quickly, as Inzamam approached the fan, who was caught off-guard. The attack on the fan became one of the most controversial off-field moments in India-Pakistan cricket history.
This incident raised questions about sportsmanship and how players should handle criticism, especially in intense rivalries like India vs Pakistan.
4. Gautam Gambhir vs Shahid Afridi – 2007 T20 World Cup
The 2007 T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan witnessed an infamous altercation between Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi. After hitting Afridi for a boundary, Gambhir was seen walking back to his crease when a heated argument erupted between the two.
The tension escalated as both players exchanged heated words and were seen using abusive language on camera. Later in the match, when Gambhir was taking a run, he was visibly seen pushing Afridi, adding more fuel to the fire. The viral video of the incident sparked intense debate and was shared widely on social media.
This fiery exchange between two cricketing giants is still discussed by fans and experts alike, making it one of the most controversial moments of the 2007 T20 World Cup.
5. Shoaib Akhtar Triggers Harbhajan Singh – 2010 Asia Cup
During the 2010 Asia Cup, India and Pakistan faced off in another thrilling encounter. Shoaib Akhtar, one of Pakistan’s most fearsome fast bowlers, had a run-in with Harbhajan Singh during India’s chase. After bowling a dot ball to Harbhajan, Akhtar was heard saying something to the Indian batsman.
However, Harbhajan responded in the best possible way by hitting Mohammad Aamir for a huge six shortly after. The Indian batsman celebrated aggressively, and Akhtar, not to be outdone, made gestures of his own. The exchange of words and gestures between the two added spice to an already intense encounter.
This moment was particularly controversial because of the emotions involved, especially with the history between Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh. It was yet another example of the high-pressure moments that define the India vs Pakistan rivalry.
Conclusion
The India vs Pakistan ODI rivalry has provided some of the most entertaining and controversial moments in cricket history. From Javed Miandad’s kangaroo jump to Venkatesh Prasad’s revenge, each match between these two teams is filled with unforgettable drama. The controversial incidents highlighted here are just a glimpse of the intense emotions and competitive spirit that define the rivalry.
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, fans can only hope that more thrilling, high-stakes moments like these unfold on the field. The history between India and Pakistan in cricket is rich with passion, rivalry, and of course, controversy — and the next match will undoubtedly add to this legacy.
FAQs
Q1. What is the most controversial moment in India vs Pakistan ODI history?
Ans: One of the most controversial moments was Javed Miandad’s kangaroo jump in the 1992 World Cup, mocking Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More.
Q2. What happened between Venkatesh Prasad and Amir Sohail in the 1996 World Cup?
Ans: After Amir Sohail hit a boundary and mocked Venkatesh Prasad, the Indian bowler dismissed him on the very next ball, making it a legendary revenge moment.
Q3. Why did Inzamam-ul-Haq attack a fan in 1997?
Ans: An Indian fan mocked Inzamam-ul-Haq by calling him a “potato,” which enraged him. Inzamam grabbed a bat and confronted the fan in the stands.
Q4. What caused the fight between Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi in 2007?
Ans: During the 2007 T20 World Cup, Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi had a heated argument after Gambhir hit Afridi for a boundary, leading to on-field clashes.
Q5. What led to the Shoaib Akhtar vs Harbhajan Singh clash in the 2010 Asia Cup?
Ans: Shoaib Akhtar taunted Harbhajan Singh after a dot ball, but Harbhajan responded by hitting a six off Mohammad Aamir, leading to an intense exchange between the two.