Pakistani Pacer Mohammad Abbas and Indian Wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan won fans with a heartwarming party after a wicket under the Nottinghamshires County Championship match against Yorkshire on Monday.
A video of the guest, with the duo shaking hands and embracing, quickly went viral and served widespread praise over both India and Pakistan.
The moment came on the second game day when Abbas removed the opener Adam Lyth for a duck where Kishan took a sharp catch behind the stumps.
Immediately after the dismissal, the two players came together, shook hands and embraced each other for partying – a rare and heartwarming sight for fans who were more used to seeing India and Pakistan players as hard rivals.
Nottinghamshire County’s official social media accounts shared the clip, which got an outflow of admiration in the comments, with many calling it a beautiful example of the spirit of the county crick.
A fan, Khawaja Naeem Akbar, commented: “This is the true beauty of the county cricket. I love and admire this game in moments like these.”
Another fan, Faizan, wrote that watching Abbas and Kishan play together made him happy and increased his respect for both players.
Abdul Razzaq commented: “What moment!” While Sultan Afridi described it as “a special moment for both Pakistan and India.”
Another user noticed, “It’s been so long ago that we’ve seen players from both countries playing together like this.”
Meanwhile, in the match, Kishan impressed with bats in Nottinghamshire’s first place, scoring a floating 87 runner of 98 balls, including a six and twelve four.
Abbas bowled financially on the second day and ended with numbers of 1 for 19 from 10 overs, including four girls.
This was not the first time Indian and Pakistani players have shared the field in the county crick. Cheteshwar Pujara and Mohammad Rizwan previously played together for Sussex.
Several India-Pakistan pairs are expected later this season, with Ruturaj Gaikwad, set to attend Yorkshire in July, while Abdullah Shafique’s arrival has been delayed due to visa problems.