India vs Pakistan controversies in Asia Cup: A trip down memory lane when tempers flared at the continental event

The India–Pakistan rivalry will once again come to the fore when the two sides face off on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. While India has already won its opening game against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan are set to face Oman on Friday in Dubai. India and Pakistan have clashed numerous times on the cricket field; however, the rivalry goes beyond what happens on the pitch.

September 14 will add another chapter to the Indo-Pak rivalry when the two teams, both in transition, face off in a Group A clash. India will be without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, while Pakistan are missing Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

In fact, Gambhir is currently the head coach of the Indian team while Akmal has started working as an analyst in Pakistani media. With a couple of days to go before the high-octane clash, lets take a look at the controversial moments from the IND vs PAK contests in the Asia Cup.

India vs Pakistan controversies in the Asia Cup:

Gautam Gambhir vs Kamran Akmal (2010)

One of the highlights of the India vs. Pakistan rivalry in the Asia Cup history is the ugly fight between the current head coach of the Indian team, Gautam Gambhir, and Kamran Akmal during the 2010 edition. It all started when Akmal started appealing for a caught behind against Gambhir off the bowling of Shahid Afridi. A similar thing happened a few overs later, this time off the bowling of Saeed Ajmal. On both occasions, the on-field umpire ruled not out.

However, the two players engaged in a war of words during the drinks break. Such was the intensity of the argument that MS Dhoni and the umpires had to intervene.

Shoaib Akhtar vs Harbhajan Singh (2010)

In the same match, Shoaib Akhtar was involved in another altercation, this time with Harbhajan Singh in the final overs. The incident began in the 47th over when Harbhajan struck Akhtar for a towering six. Tensions escalated after Harbhajan missed two short balls in the final deliveries of the 49th over. During the change of ends, Akhtar exchanged heated words with Harbhajan, prompting a sharp response from the Indian spinner.

Click here to read article