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In a remarkable display of sportsmanship transcending borders, cricket fans in Islamabad were spotted celebrating Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli‘s unbeaten century during India’s six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 match on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A viral video shared on social media captured the jubilant scenes at a public screening in Pakistan’s capital, highlighting the global admiration for Kohli’s iconic performance.
Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI century gains limelight
Kohli’s 51st ODI century—scored off 111 balls—guided India to a commanding chase of Pakistan’s 241, securing a six-wicket win and virtually sealing India’s place in the semifinals. The knock, marked by Kohli’s signature composure, not only silenced critics but also etched his name deeper into cricket folklore, especially against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Fans in Islamabad celebrate Kohli’s match-winning ton
The video shows a packed crowd in Islamabad erupting in cheers as Kohli reached his milestone. The footage, taken at what appears to be an outdoor screening under the iconic arches of a public venue, features fans of all ages—men, women, and children—clapping, waving, and smiling in excitement.
Here is the video:
اسلام آباد میں موجود کرکٹ شائقین ویرات کوہلی کی سینچری پر خوشی مناتے ہوئے https://t.co/5KyXSQMhdh pic.twitter.com/51Uliy4GNm
— Muhammad Faizan Aslam Khan (@FaizanBinAslam1) February 23, 2025
Also READ: Virat Kohli shatters Sachin Tendulkar’s record during India’s emphatic win over Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025
Kohli’s cross-border legacy
Kohli’s popularity in Pakistan isn’t a recent phenomenon—it has been building for years, transcending geopolitical tensions and traditional cricketing rivalries. His impact stretches beyond the boundaries of India, with Pakistani fans admiring his batting prowess, work ethic, and aggressive yet respectful approach to the game.
Instances of this admiration have surfaced time and again. In 2023, a Karachi-based fan held up a poster supporting Kohli during a Pakistan vs. Australia match, a gesture that resonated with cricket lovers on both sides of the border. Incidents have frequently highlighted how Kohli’s brilliance on the field has earned him fans in Pakistan, even when he faced lean patches in his career. Whether it was his match-winning performances, his camaraderie with Pakistani players, or his respect for the game, Kohli has built a following that defies political barriers.
This latest Champions Trophy moment in Islamabad, where Pakistani fans once again expressed their appreciation for Kohli, further cements his status as a global cricketing icon. It serves as a reminder that, despite national rivalries, the love for cricket unites fans across borders, with Kohli standing as one of the few players revered universally.
