India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2022: A heartwarming moment was caught on camera when injured Pakistani bowler Shaheen Afridi was greeted by members of the Indian team, including Virat Kohli, on Thursday night as the teams made their way to the training sessions.
Due to a knee injury, Pakistan's star bowler Shaheen will not participate in the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup. The absence of the left-arm pacer before the crucial match between India and Pakistan gave the Men in Blue the advantage because he has recently been a headache for the Indian batters.
The Indian players approached Shaheen when they saw him sitting by the fence of a practice venue and spoke about his injuries and recovery.
Shaheen explains to Yuzvendra Chahal that he sustained the injury in the recent Test series in Sri Lanka after the Indian spinner initially approaches the Pakistani star player and the two exchange heartfelt hugs. PCB shared moments on social media.
Virat Kohli who was present in the background was also later seen with Shaheen conversing about his injury and Kohli also told him to take care of his leg. Following that, Shaheen can be seen having fun with India's wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.
The Pakistan bowler said, “Yaar main soch Raha hu aapki Tarah bas batting shuru kar du, Ek haath se chhakke lagaau (I’m thinking of becoming a batter like you, start hitting sixes with a single hand).”
“Fast bowler ho toh effort lagaana padega sir! Compulsory hai (If you’re a fast bowler, you have to put in the effort. It’s compulsory),” Pant replied.
Afridi said that he would need around five weeks to recover after Pant enquired about his recovery time from the unfortunate injury.
Before taking his leave, Shaheen wished all the best for the match, saying, “Good luck match ke liye, aaunga dekhne (Good luck for the game. I’ll come to see it).”
WATCH
On Sunday, August 28, the two fierce rivals will meet in a thrilling match as the Indian squad seeks revenge for their humiliating ten-wicket loss to Pakistan in the T20 World Cup last year.