2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Virat Kohli’s Opinion On Resuming India vs Pakistan Bilateral Series

Nov 2, 2023 at 3:46 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Virat Kohli’s Opinion On Resuming India vs Pakistan Bilateral Series

India vs Pakistan is one of those clashes that the whole world awaits to witness. And for the two nations, it’s more than just cricket on the ground. India on winning last day’s clash against arch rivals went 13-2 ahead of Pakistan in all ICC Tournaments.

Due to political reasons among the two neighbours, it’s long that not a single bilateral series is being conducted for years, as it’s only the ICC Tournaments where both the teams faces each other. Even then, it does not come as a surprise when India skipper Virat Kohli, in his post-match media conference after thrashing Pakistan in Birmingham on Sunday, said he really enjoys being part of the battle between the arch-rivals.

“You do enjoy playing against them. They’re a very competitive side. The atmosphere is great. From that regard, as a cricketer, we really enjoyed this game, that’s all I can say,” said Kohli.

The ICC events and the Asia Cup remain the only platforms where India and Pakistan face each other now. As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials met their Pakistan counterparts last month in Dubai, sports minister Vijay Goel ruled out the possibility of resuming bilateral cricket.

“India and Pakistan can’t play bilateral series till the terror from Pakistan remains. BCCI should speak to the government before giving any proposal to Pakistan. I have made it clear that bilateral cricket with Pakistan is not possible till the time there is the cross-border terror. We have, however, no say on multilateral events (ICC tournaments),” Goel said.

The last time Pakistan played India was in 2012. It was a three-match ODI series and a two-match T20 series. The last full series between the two was in 2007 after the Dosti series in 2004.

“As cricketers, those things are not in our hands. We come here to play the sport. And that’s all we focus on. It’s not my place to speak of any other decisions. The higher officials take care of those decisions. My opinion does not matter and should not matter.”

“But regardless of who you play, you just want to play cricket. At the end of the day, for us, it’s just playing the sport we love. It’s not preferenced over the opposition. And that’s all I can say to this.”

Kohli (44 off 56 balls) turned dramatic, as he unleashed few shots and powerful lofts to hammer 37 off next 12 balls to end on 81 off 68 balls, helping India post a daunting (given Pakistan’s batting strength) 319. He was phenomenal the other day. Kohli always stands up on the big occasions. Sunday’s match was no different. Amidst all the rumours surrounding the captain-coach rift problems, Kohli shut off the external world to produce a professional display.

Related Article
Mohammad Amir Thanks Shahid Afridi For Standing By Him
Mohammad Amir Thanks Shahid Afridi For Standing By Him

Dec 21, 2020, 12:52 PM


Virat Kohli’s Performance Speaks For Itself: Mohammad Amir
Virat Kohli’s Performance Speaks For Itself: Mohammad Amir

Dec 11, 2020, 3:51 PM


Virat Kohli Won’t Give You a Second Chance – Mohammad Amir
Virat Kohli Won’t Give You a Second Chance – Mohammad Amir

Nov 21, 2017, 4:02 PM


Mohammad Amir Relishes Virat Kohli’s Prized Scalp in ICC Champions Trophy Final
Mohammad Amir Relishes Virat Kohli’s Prized Scalp in ICC Champions Trophy Final

Oct 6, 2017, 7:55 PM


PCB Receives Champions Trophy Prize Money
PCB Receives Champions Trophy Prize Money

Jul 24, 2017, 4:04 PM


Inzamam-ul-Haq Paid Extra Prize Money, Questions Raised Over The Matter
Inzamam-ul-Haq Paid Extra Prize Money, Questions Raised Over The Matter

Jul 6, 2017, 11:29 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner