- IND vs PAK: Do you know when Team India last visited Pakistan? Pakistan cricket team came to India to play ODI World Cup 2023, but India has not visited Pakistan for a long time.
Indian Cricket Team, Champions Trophy 2025:
Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. But will the Indian cricket team tour Pakistan? However, this question remains in doubt. But do you know when the Indian cricket team last visited Pakistan? Although the Pakistan cricket team came to India to play the ODI World Cup 2023, Team India has not visited Pakistan for a long time. The Indian team last visited Pakistan about 16 years ago to play the Asia Cup 2008. Since then the Indian team has not visited Pakistan.
India and Pakistan faced each other in Asia Cup 2008. In this match, Indian team defeated Pakistan easily. Opener Virender Sehwag played a quick century innings for India. After this, India and Pakistan faced each other in the Super-4 round. This time Team India had to face defeat. Batting first, Indian team scored 308 runs for 7 wickets in 50 overs. Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma played half-century innings for India. But thanks to Younis Khan’s century, Pakistan achieved the target 4 overs earlier.
However, after this, Asia Cup 2023 was to be organized in Pakistan, but due to India’s protest, Pakistan had to be deprived of hosting. After taking away the hosting from Pakistan, Sri Lanka hosted it. India and Pakistan faced each other in this tournament. In that match, the Indian team led by Rohit Sharma defeated Pakistan easily. Then India won the trophy by defeating Sri Lanka in the final.
As the cricketing world gears up for the Champions Trophy 2025, one of the most anticipated aspects of the tournament is Team India’s participation in Pakistan. The significance of this event cannot be overstated, given the complex history and intense rivalry between the two nations. With India set to play in Pakistan after a long hiatus, it’s worth revisiting the last time Team India toured Pakistan and the memorable moments that unfolded during that historic series.
The 2005-06 Series: A Historic Tour
The last time Team India toured Pakistan was in 2005-06, a tour that remains etched in the memories of cricket fans on both sides of the border. The series, comprising three Tests and five One-Day Internationals (ODIs), was more than just a cricketing event—it was a significant moment in the diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.
The Test Series: Highs and Lows
The Test series began with high expectations, with both teams boasting strong line-ups. The first Test in Lahore ended in a high-scoring draw, with both teams posting massive totals. Pakistan, led by Inzamam-ul-Haq, batted first and declared at a mammoth 679/7, with centuries from Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, and Shahid Afridi. India responded strongly, with Virender Sehwag scoring a blazing 254 and Rahul Dravid adding 128, leading India to 410/1 before rain interrupted play, resulting in a draw.
The second Test in Faisalabad was another run-fest, with both teams again piling on the runs. Pakistan posted 588, thanks to centuries from Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq. India replied with 603, with centuries from Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rahul Dravid. The match ended in a draw, setting up a thrilling finale in Karachi.
The third Test in Karachi, however, turned out to be a nightmare for India. After Pakistan posted 245 in their first innings, India collapsed for 238. In their second innings, Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif wreaked havoc on the Indian batting line-up, reducing them to 214 all out, leaving Pakistan with a target of just 137 runs. Pakistan chased it down with ease, winning the Test by seven wickets and the series 1-0.
The ODI Series: A Thrilling Contest
The ODI series was a closely fought contest, with both teams displaying exceptional skills. The series kicked off in Peshawar, where Pakistan chased down India’s 328/9 in a nail-biting finish, winning by 7 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method. India bounced back in the second ODI in Rawalpindi, with Rahul Dravid leading the charge as India chased down 266 with 7 wickets in hand.
The third ODI in Lahore saw Pakistan edge out India in another thrilling encounter, winning by 4 wickets. India then leveled the series in the fourth ODI in Multan, with a dominating performance, posting 286/8 and bundling out Pakistan for 161, winning by 25 runs. The series decider in Karachi was a high-scoring affair, with Pakistan posting 319/9. India, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s blistering 77 off 56 balls, chased down the target in 48.4 overs, winning the series 3-2.
The Aftermath: A Series to Remember
The 2005-06 tour was more than just about cricket. It was a significant moment in the sporting history of both nations, showcasing the power of sports in bridging divides. The series was played in a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect, with players from both sides earning accolades for their performances.
For India, the tour was a mixed bag. While the team showed resilience in the ODI series, the loss in the Test series was a bitter pill to swallow. However, the tour also saw the emergence of young talents like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who would go on to become one of India’s greatest captains.
Champions Trophy 2025: A New Chapter
As Team India prepares to return to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, the memories of the 2005-06 tour will undoubtedly resurface. The upcoming tournament presents an opportunity for both nations to once again showcase the spirit of cricket, even amidst the complexities of their relationship.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will not only be about the competition on the field but also about the significance of India’s return to Pakistan after such a long gap. For cricket fans, it will be a nostalgic reminder of past encounters, and for the players, a chance to create new memories and add to the rich history of India-Pakistan cricketing rivalry.
As the world watches, the Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a landmark event, where cricket will once again serve as a unifying force, bringing people together across borders and cultures.