Asia Cup 2023: Virat Kohli meets Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bat N Ball

Asia Cup 2023: Virat Kohli meets Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bat N Ball

In anticipation of their impending showdown in the Asia Cup, Indian luminary of the middle-order, Virat Kohli, convened with Pakistani cricketers amidst the illustrious confines of the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, nestled in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

The 34-year-old Kohli rendezvoused with the likes of Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, as the perennial adversaries brace themselves for a titanic clash scheduled for the morrow, come Saturday.

During the practice session, Kohli serendipitously crossed paths with Rauf. This happenstance encounter between the two cricketing maestros was punctuated by an exchange of affable smiles, culminating in an endearing embrace that underscored the spirit of sportsmanship.

Subsequent to the practice regimen, Kohli found himself ensconced in the pavilion, where he exchanged pleasantries with Shadab and Rizwan. A protracted tête-à-tête unfolded between Shadab and Kohli, resonating with jovial laughter. After a spell, Afridi too joined the camaraderie, receiving a warm reception from the Indian luminary.

The trio engaged in spirited discourse, while Rauf maintained his proximity, contributing to the convivial ambiance.

In an excerpt from the Pakistan Cricket Board's video footage, the Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, convened with his Pakistani counterpart, Babar Azam, and the prolific opener, Imam-ul-Haq.

It is noteworthy that the cricketers from Pakistan and India have forged an enduring camaraderie, characterized by moments of sheer splendor over the past biennium.

Kohli's bonhomie extended to conversations with Babar Azam and Rizwan, a congenial exchange that transpired in the aftermath of Pakistan's historic victory against India in the T20 World Cup 2021, hosted in Dubai.

On the eve of the high-octane India-Pakistan encounter, which had aficionados' hearts racing, Kohli rallied his compatriots, urging them to summon their utmost mettle when confronting Pakistan's formidable bowling artillery.

In a candid interview broadcast by the official media partners of the Asia Cup, Kohli articulated the palpable excitement of facing Pakistan. He alluded to the formidable bowling prowess that constitutes the bedrock of Pakistan's cricketing might, acknowledging the presence of game-changing bowlers capable of recalibrating the match's tempo at any juncture.

"It's a perennially exhilarating challenge facing Pakistan, given the abundance of talent within their ranks; they epitomize quality," Kohli opined during the interview.

He accentuated the primacy of Pakistan's bowling strength, highlighting the presence of impactful bowlers endowed with the ability to exert significant influence on the game through their diverse skill sets.

"To stand any chance against them, one must operate at the zenith of their abilities," Kohli declared, embodying the essence of a star Indian cricketer.

The impending spectacle awaits as Pakistan and India are slated to cross swords on September 2 in the group stage of the Asia Cup. If fate permits, both cricketing giants may encounter each other anew on September 10, should they progress to the super-four stage, and potentially on September 17, if they earn their place in the final.