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5 Times Ind & Pak Cricketers Played in the Same Team: The shared history of India and Pakistan has always been fascinating, whether it concerns the border, politics, or the sports arena. Once part of the same nation, these neighbors parted ways in 1947 and have since witnessed many ups and downs. But setting history and politics aside for a moment, the first cricket match between the two nations took place in 1952, just five years after Partition. Since then, whenever these teams face off, the atmosphere on the field is charged with immense excitement and passion.
While fans generally love watching them play against each other, there have been a few special (and extremely rare) occasions in history when players from India and Pakistan have played for the same team, wearing the same jersey (excluding the IPL).
Let us take a look at five such historic occasions and the performances of players from both nations in those matches
5 Times India & Pakistan Rivals Played as Teammates
5. Ravichandran Ashwin and Haris Rauf (MLC 2026)
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The latest addition to this list features India's legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Pakistan's express pacer Haris Rauf. Both superstars are currently part of the 'San Francisco Unicorns' squad in the Major League Cricket (MLC 2026) tournament being played in the USA. While Haris has been with the team since the inaugural season, Ashwin entered this league only this year following his retirement from international cricket.
Performance Report:
- Haris Rauf: He has been delivering consistently excellent performances as the lead fast bowler for this American franchise and has been the team's primary wicket-taker since the very first season.
- Ravichandran Ashwin: Making his league debut following his retirement.
- Match Result: Since the two have not yet played a match together in the tournament, fans are eagerly awaiting the historic moment when they both take the field in the Playing XI to unleash havoc on the opposition with their spin and pace.
4. Harbhajan Singh and Azhar Mahmood (Surrey - County Cricket, 2005)
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A fascinating sight unfolded in English domestic county cricket in 2005 when India's 'Turbator' Harbhajan Singh and Pakistan's all-rounder Azhar Mahmood shared the field for the Surrey team. Although these two legends got the opportunity to play together in only one match, they wreaked havoc in that solitary game.
Performance Report:
- Azhar Mahmood (Batting Fireworks): Taking the opposition bowlers to the cleaners in the first innings, the Pakistani all-rounder played a blistering knock of 89 runs off just 99 balls. However, he was unlucky to be run out. Thanks to this innings of his, Surrey posted a massive total of 603 runs.
- Harbhajan Singh (Bowling Magic): When it was time to bowl, the legendary Indian off-spinner displayed impeccable line and length; he claimed 4 crucial wickets for just 51 runs, playing a pivotal role in bundling out the Gloucestershire team for 288 runs.
- Match Result: Surrey enforced the follow-on, but neither team could make a significant impact with the bat in the third innings. Ultimately, the match ended in a draw with Surrey at 84/3 while chasing a target of 180 runs.
Also Read: Team India Next Match Schedule: India Tour of Ireland & England 2026
3. Ishan Kishan and Mohammad Abbas (Nottinghamshire - County Cricket, 2025)
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Aggressive Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan and Pakistan's classic swing master Mohammad Abbas are also part of this unique club. The duo made headlines while playing together for Nottinghamshire in County Cricket in 2025. They took the field together for a total of two matches during the season.
Performance Report:
- Ishan Kishan (Superb Batting Form): Ishan displayed excellent technique in English conditions. He played a crucial knock of 87 runs in the first innings against Yorkshire and followed it up with 77 runs in the subsequent match against Somerset.
- Mohammad Abbas (Sharp Swing): The Pakistani fast bowler showcased brilliant swing bowling against Yorkshire, sending four batters back to the pavilion. However, they did not achieve any success in the second match against Somerset.
- Match Result: In both matches, these players from India and Pakistan gave it their all, but both contests ended in a draw.
2. Virender Sehwag and Shoaib Akhtar (ICC World XI - 2005)
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In 2005, the Australian team reigned supreme in world cricket. To challenge them, the ICC assembled a 'World XI' team comprising select legends from across the globe. In this high-profile ODI match held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India's 'Nawab of Najafgarh,' Virender Sehwag, and Pakistan's 'Rawalpindi Express,' Shoaib Akhtar, took the field for the same team.
Performance Report:
- Shoaib Akhtar (Bowling): Akhtar appeared ineffective against the counter-attack launched by Australian batsmen (Gilchrist, Ponting, and Martin). He conceded 61 runs without taking a wicket in his quota of 8 overs (0/61).
- Virender Sehwag (Unique Performance): Known primarily for his batting, Sehwag worked wonders with the ball in this match. He dealt a major blow to Australia by dismissing the dangerous-looking Adam Gilchrist. However, he failed completely in the department he is best known for batting. Chasing Australia's total of 328, Sehwag was dismissed early.
- Match Result: The star-studded World XI team crumbled against the Australian attack and was bowled out for just 273 runs, allowing Australia to win the match comfortably.
1. Sachin Tendulkar and Wasim Akram (Rest of the World XI - 1998)
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One of the most iconic and magical moments in cricket history unfolded in 1998 at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground. In a Lord's bicentenary exhibition match, the 'God of Cricket' Sachin Tendulkar and the 'Sultan of Swing' Wasim Akram took the field together for the 'Rest of the World XI'. This historic team also featured legendary Pakistani opener Saeed Anwar and spinner Mushtaq Ahmed.
Performance Report:
- Wasim Akram (Bowling): Batting first, the MCC team posted a strong total of 261 runs. During the innings, Wasim Akram displayed his trademark swing and claimed the crucial wicket of the opposition's Aamer Sohail.
- Sachin Tendulkar (Historic Century): That day, the Lord's ground reverberated with chants of "Sachin-Sachin." Playing for the Rest of the World, the 'Master Blaster' tore into the MCC bowling attack. Showcasing a blend of classic and aggressive batting, Sachin scored a magnificent unbeaten 125 runs.
- Match Result: Thanks to Sachin Tendulkar's magical century, the 'Rest of the World XI' won the match with ease, creating history. This match remains fresh in the memories of cricket fans to this day.
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