For the first time in 41 years, India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in an Asia Cup final. Amid the ongoing controversies, it will be interesting to watch the arch-rivals fighting for the title. The last time when they squared off, tempers flared so much that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had to punish a player. Now that India and Pakistan are set to lock horns for one last time, let’s recall some intense on-field fights.
Gautam Gambhir vs Afridi in 2007: In 2007, an ODI in Kanpur saw one of the most infamous clashes between Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi. Afridi, visibly frustrated after conceding runs, reacted sharply when Gambhir struck him for a boundary. The tension heightened the very next ball as the two collided mid-pitch while Gambhir attempted a single, sparking a heated exchange. Umpire Ian Gould had to intervene to prevent the situation from escalating further. The incident drew stern disciplinary action, with match referee Roshan Mahanama imposing fines — Afridi lost 95 percent of his match fee, while Gambhir was penalized 65 percent for his role.
Gautam Gambhir vs Karman Akmal in 2010: One of the most heated moments in Asia Cup history came during the 2010 edition when Gautam Gambhir and Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal clashed. The tension began after Akmal persistently appealed for caught behind decisions against Gambhir, first off Shahid Afridi and later off Saeed Ajmal, both of which were turned down by the umpire. Frustration mounted, and during the drinks break, the two players engaged in a fiery verbal spat that quickly drew attention. The altercation escalated to such an extent that Indian captain MS Dhoni, along with the on-field umpires, had to step in to pacify the situation.
Harbhajan Singh vs Shoaib Akhtar in 2010: In the same edition of the Asia Cup clash, Shoaib Akhtar found himself in a heated exchange with Harbhajan Singh during the final overs. The spark came in the 47th over when Harbhajan launched Akhtar for a massive six. Frustration grew after the Indian spinner missed two short deliveries in the 49th over. As the players changed ends, Akhtar confronted Harbhajan with sharp words.
Ishant Sharma vs Kamran Akmal in 2012: The last time Pakistan toured India for a bilateral series was in 2012, and the opening T20I at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru produced an explosive moment. The incident involved Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma and Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal. Tensions flared when Akmal accused Ishant of obstructing his run deliberately. The situation worsened shortly after, as Ishant beat Akmal with a delivery and mocked him. The provocation angered the Pakistan batter, leading to a heated verbal spat.
Haris Rauf vs Abhishek Sharma in 2025: The most recent flashpoint came last Sunday during the India-Pakistan clash when pacer Haris Rauf abused Abhishek Sharma. The incident unfolded in the fifth over of India’s chase after Gill struck a short ball for a boundary. As the Indian vice-captain went to fist-bump Abhishek at the non-striker’s end, Rauf appeared to say something that provoked Abhishek. The youngster turned back, pointed fingers, and engaged in a fiery exchange with the Pakistani pacer.
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