• Virat Kohli gifted his two signed t-shirts to Pakistan skipper Babar Azam after the India-Pakistan match at ODI World Cup 2023.

  • Legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram criticized Babar for receiving jerseys from Virat publicly after the team's big defeat.

World Cup 2023: Wasim Akram criticizes Babar Azam for receiving signed jerseys from Virat Kohli after Pakistan’s defeat against India
Virat Kohli, Babar Azam and Wasim Akram (Image Source: Twitter)

India have successfully maintained their dominance over Pakistan in the ODI World Cup tournaments by once again emerging victorious against the arch-rivals in one of the most highly anticipated encounters of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

The event took place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and it did not disappoint as the Men In Blue registered their eighth win over Pakistan in the world event.

Babar Azam receives two signed jerseys from Virat Kohli

Apart from India’s dominance, the clash also witnessed a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and camaraderie when star India batter Virat Kohli gifted his two signed jerseys to Pakistan skipper Babar Azam following the match. While this gesture of goodwill and mutual respect between the two rival teams was widely applauded, it didn’t sit well with everyone. Among the many unhappy with the act was Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, who didn’t shy away from criticizing Babar.

Wasim Akram slams Babar Azam

During a discussion on a Pakistani TV show, Akram voiced his concerns about the timing and public nature of the jersey exchange between Virat and Babar. He also raised questions about whether such actions were appropriate after Pakistan’s loss to India.

“That’s what I exactly said when I saw the picture (getting the shirts publicly, not privately). Today was not the day to do this. If you want to do it – if your uncle’s son has asked you to get Kohli’s shirt – then do it after the game in the dressing room,” said Akram.

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Match overview

Pakistan innings

Pakistan’s innings got off to a steady start with Abdullah Shafique and Imam ul Haq providing a solid foundation. However, the Indian bowlers, led by the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah, picked up crucial wickets at regular intervals. Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj bowled brilliantly, claiming two wickets each. Babar scored a crucial half-century, while Mohammad Rizwan almost joined him with 49 runs. But despite the duo’s valiant effort, Pakistan was bowled out for 191 runs in the end.

India innings

In reply, India got off to a fiery start, thanks to a brilliant innings by Rohit Sharma, who played an explosive knock of 86 runs off 63 balls. Shubman Gill and Virat contributed with 16 runs each, but it was Shreyas Iyer who anchored the innings with a composed 53. KL Rahul chipped in with 19 runs as India reached the target with ease in 30.3 overs, finishing at 192/3.

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Vishwanath Hariharan is Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. From breaking news stories to in-depth features and opinion pieces, he has covered a wide range of topics. Vishwanath is very fond of watching cricket. Like many others, he too grew up watching, playing, and imitating his favourite players of the game. MS Dhoni is like a demigod to him. You can connect with him at vishwanath.hariharan@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter & Linkedin.