When Ishant Sharma and Kamran Akmal nearly came to blows

The stage is set for another high-voltage clash as India take on Pakistan tomorrow, Sunday, 14 September, in the Asia Cup 2025. Every time these two nations meet, the rivalry goes beyond cricket, and memories of past flashpoints often resurface. One such incident unfolded the last time Pakistan toured India for a bilateral series in 2012. During the opening T20 international at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Indian pacer Ishant Sharma and Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal were involved in a fiery confrontation. The flashpoint came when Akmal accused Ishant of obstructing his run during a quick single. Moments later, after beating him with a delivery, Ishant mocked the Pakistan batter. The provocation did not sit well with Akmal, and heated words followed until other Indian players and umpires stepped in. “It was again aggression that nearly went out of hand,” Akmal admitted later, highlighting just how tense India–Pakistan encounters can become. That 2012 series remains the last bilateral meeting between the two arch-rivals. Since then, they have faced each other only in multi-nation events, with the Asia Cup and World Cups serving as the battlegrounds. Both teams have started their Asia Cup 2025 campaigns in style. Pakistan cruised to a 93-run victory over Oman, with Mohammad Haris smashing 66 before their spinners bundled Oman out for just 67 in 16.4 overs. India were equally dominant against UAE, Chasing a mere 58, the Indian top order, led by Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, made light work of the target, reaching 60 for 1 in just 4.3 overs. Kuldeep Yadav (4/7) and Shivam Dube (3/4) had earlier dismantled the UAE batting line-up.