Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik recalled one moment when Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh told him to enjoy the winning moment with his teammates after the 2017 Champions Trophy triumph. Indian and Pakistan players were seen having friendly chats with each other when the latter won the final. The gesture was also included in the ICC Spirit moment of the year.
Yuvraj told Shoaib that he should be with his teammates as this moment will come once in a while. Pakistan had stunned India in the final of the tournament by a gargantuan margin of 180 runs. Fakhar Zaman had scored a century and then Mohammad Amir bowled a fiery spell to help put his team put their noses in front. In fact, India was favourites but Pakistan came out as a better side on the day.
Both team’s players had shown great spirit – Shoaib Malik
Malik added that the players give their best on the field but once the contest is over they can be friends with each other. India and Pakistan have shared a great rivalry with each other and it is not often seen that they get along with each other.
“In terms of winning that tournament in 2017, yes it was a great feeling to win another ICC Trophy, but I have another memory that is very special to me,” Malik told PakPassion.net.
“I remember after the final at The Oval against India sitting in the dining hall talking to Yuvraj Singh and we were just chatting and he said, ‘Your team-mates are celebrating, don’t miss out on this special moment, you should be celebrating with them.’ It is just a small example of how cricket generates very good friendships no matter where we come from,” Malik said.
“Yes, we do battle on the field and we try our best to win for our country, but off the field, we can still be friends,” he added.
Meanwhile, Shoaib Malik scored 12 runs in the final of the tournament whereas Yuvraj Singh could muster only 22 runs. India was skittled out for 158 and lost by a mammoth margin as .
On the other hand, Malik also feels India-Pakistan rivalry should resume as it is important for the game. However, both the arch-nemesis don’t play against one another in bilateral series due to political differences.