India vs Pakistan: The Greatest Cricket Rivalry
No cricket match generates more global interest than India vs Pakistan — explore the history, politics, and memorable moments of cricket's most charged rivalry.
India versus Pakistan is more than a cricket match. It is a meeting of two nations shaped by shared history and political division, played out under intense scrutiny worldwide.
Origins of the Rivalry
The rivalry began with the 1947 partition of British India into two nations. When Pakistan was established, cricket became one arena where the two countries competed peacefully.
The first Test series between India and Pakistan was played in 1952. Both nations recognised cricket as a connection despite political tensions.
Iconic Moments
Javed Miandad's last-ball six off Chetan Sharma in the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup final remains one of cricket's most dramatic moments, celebrated across Pakistan and heartbreaking for India.
The 2003 World Cup encounter at Centurion saw Sachin Tendulkar's brutal 98 off 75 balls dismantle Pakistan's bowling. India won by six wickets in a group stage match that felt like a final.
World Cup Intensity
India and Pakistan have met seven times in World Cup (50-over and T20) history. India have won all seven. The matches attract global television audiences exceeding one billion.
Bilateral series have been suspended since 2012-13 due to political tensions, making World Cup meetings the only opportunities for the two nations to compete regularly.
Frequently asked questions
When did India last play Pakistan in a bilateral series?
India and Pakistan last played a bilateral ODI series in 2012-13. Bilateral Test cricket has not been played since 2007-08. Political tensions have prevented series since then.
What is India's World Cup record against Pakistan?
India have won all seven World Cup (50-over ICC Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup) meetings against Pakistan, making them unbeaten in World Cup cricket against their rivals.