A rare instance of camaraderie between cricketers from India and Pakistan unfolded during a County Championship match between Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire, sparking mixed reactions among fans. The incident involved Indian wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan and Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, who are both playing for Nottinghamshire.
The event occurred on the second day of the match when Abbas bowled a delivery that was edged by Yorkshire opener Adam Lyth and safely caught by Kishan behind the stumps, resulting in a dismissal for a duck. In a display of teamwork, Abbas and Kishan celebrated the wicket by shaking hands and embracing. This moment was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media, eliciting a range of responses from cricket fans in both countries and beyond.
While many fans lauded the heartwarming scene as a symbol of sportsmanship and unity, especially given the strained political relations between India and Pakistan, others expressed their disappointment. Some fans seemed to object, with some even calling for a boycott of Ishan Kishan, highlighting the complexities and sensitivities surrounding India-Pakistan relations. Some comments, however, showed the positive side of things, with fans expressing their happiness at seeing players from both countries playing together. Some fans admired the moment as a beautiful example of the spirit of county cricket.
This isn't the first time Indian and Pakistani players have shared a dressing room or a field in county cricket. Cheteshwar Pujara and Mohammad Rizwan played together for Sussex in 2022. Only six times in history have an Indian and a Pakistani player shared the same county cricket team.
The collaboration between Kishan and Abbas also occurred against the backdrop of Kishan's efforts to regain his place in the Indian national team. After being excluded from the BCCI's central contracts list in the previous year due to disciplinary issues, Kishan was recently re-included in the Grade C category for the 2024-25 season.
In the match, Kishan made a noteworthy contribution with the bat, scoring 87 runs off 98 balls in Nottinghamshire's first innings, including 12 fours and a six. Abbas also bowled economically, taking 1 wicket for 19 runs in 10 overs.
Ishan Kishan had signed a short-term deal with Nottinghamshire for two Championship fixtures. Mohammad Abbas has a history in county cricket, having previously played for Leicestershire and Hampshire.
