Here's why Shoaib Malik approached MS Dhoni ahead of the high-voltage Ind-Pak match

A lot may be written or spoken about the bitter rivalry between India and Pakistan but the players continue to share a cordial bond with the each other. Days before the most-anticipated clash of the Asia Cup, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik was spotted spending considerable time with former India skipper MS Dhoni during the joint-practice session of India and Pakistan in Dubai on Friday.

A lot may be written or spoken about the bitter rivalry between India and Pakistan but the players continue to share a cordial bond with the each other. Days before the most-anticipated clash of the Asia Cup, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik was spotted spending considerable time with former India skipper MS Dhoni during the joint-practice session of India and Pakistan in Dubai on Friday.

India landed a day after their neighbours Pakistan in Dubai for the Asia Cup but both the giants practiced together on a hot and sultry afternoon in Dubai. While two sides practicing at the same time in the same venue is nothing unusual in a tournament like the Asia Cup, the mutual respect and friendship between the cricketers was something noticeable during the practice session.

Dhoni, who was sitting in the shade waiting for his turn to bat, was approached by Shoaib Malik, who walked down to the Indian side. The duo chatted like old friends after a customary handshake even as stand-in captain Rohit Sharma went on with his fielding drills.

#WATCH: Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Shoaib Malik meet during practice in Dubai ahead of #AsiaCup2018. India and Pakistan to play each other on September 19. pic.twitter.com/KGchi5qilJ

— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2018

Malik’s respect for Dhoni and other Indian cricketers is nothing new. He had termed Dhoni a GOAT (greatest of all time) last year when a fan asked his opinion about the Indian keeper.

India will face Pakistan after a gap of 14 months in a Group B match of the Asia Cup on September and there is a possibility that they meet again in the super four stages of the tournament.

Both India and Pakistan are clubbed in Group B along with minnows Hong Kong. India start off their campaign against Hong Kong on September 18 while Pakistan will the play same opposition a couple of days earlier in their tournament opener on September 16.

Bangladesh will face-off with Sri Lanka in the first match of the tournament on Saturday.