‘Ishant ne gaali diya par baad me…’- Former Pakistan wicketkeeper praises MS Dhoni’s leadership during India-Pakistan high-pressure clash

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal recently revealed that he had a heated exchange with Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma during a high-pressure India-Pakistan clash in 2012. Kamran clarified that the incident was completely different from the one in 2009 involving Gautam Gambhir, which was a complete misunderstanding.

Speaking on the Nadir Ali Podcast on YouTube, Kamran said, “Ishant Sharma did abuse, but also received them back in plenty. MS Dhoni, who was the captain of the team, such a nice person, and Suresh Raina came and settled it down.”

Ishant Sharma did abuse, but also received them back in plenty (Ishant ne gaali diya par baad mein usko bhi bohot pada). MS Dhoni, who was the captain of the team, such a nice person, and Suresh Raina came and settled it down. India were losing and it happened in heat of the moment. Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez were playing very well so he was furious,” he said.

Kamran also revealed that the heated exchange between him and Ishant happened during a match where India were losing and that Ishant was furious because Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez were playing very well.

Incident with Gambhir was a complete misunderstanding- Akmal

The former wicketkeeper clarified that the incident involving Gautam Gambhir in 2009 was a complete misunderstanding. “It was an Asia Cup match in 2009. Saeed Ajmal bowled, there was an appeal for caught-behind from me. It was given not out. Gambhir said something in a hilarious way, but because of the hype around the India-Pakistan matches…he did not use any cuss words. If I am not wrong, he said that to himself, but I felt it was directed towards me,” he said.

In a high-pressure clash as big as India versus Pakistan, pressure is bound to get the better of cricketers, leading to heated exchanges. Kamran’s revelations highlight the intensity of these clashes and the passion that both nations bring to the table. Despite the heated exchanges, however, it is heartening to see that the players were able to settle the matter amicably with the help of the respective captains.