While India and Pakistan are fierce rivals on the cricket pitch, not to mention the tension that exists between the two countries off it, the cricketers have been quick to show that between them, there is no animosity.
Over the last two years, India captain Virat Kohli has been known for his gestures of goodwill towards the Pakistani team. Here are three times Kohli won Pakistani hearts
GIFTING A BAT TO THE SHAHID AFRIDI FOUNDATION
Kohli donated a signed bat to Shahid Afridi’s foundation ahead of its auction, and the former Pakistan cricketer was quick to thank the Indian captain.
Afridi’s foundation aims to provide access to healthcare, education, and sporting facilities for the less privileged people in Pakistan and around the world, and Kohli’s gift to the foundation was a princely one indeed.
GIFTING A BAT TO MOHAMMAD AMIR
On the eve of India’s clash with Pakistan in the group stages of last year’s World T20, Kohli gave the Pakistani ace one of his bats.
Amir recently returned to the Pakistan team after a five-year suspension for spot-fixing, and Kohli’s gift was a way of welcoming Amir back to the international cricketing fold.
GIFTING AFRIDI A SIGNED JERSEY
The bat Afridi received from Kohli was not the first time the Indian captain had gifted the Pakistani all-rounder a piece of memorabilia.
Earlier this year, Kohli gave Afridi a jersey signed by the entire India team, and that jersey has also been auctioned to raise proceeds for the Shahid Afridi Foundation.