India vs Pakistan: A Timeline of Tensions and Turning Points

By Moiz Mustafa



Colombo, February 15th (Daily Mirror) - The India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense and closely watched contests in world sport, captivating millions with every encounter. From historic clashes across Tests and ODIs to high-voltage T20 World Cup battles, the rivalry has consistently delivered drama on and off the field. In 2025, tensions escalated beyond the boundary rope, making headlines worldwide.

Here’s a complete look at the latest timeline of events and the key India vs Pakistan head-to-head statistics. From historic first meetings to the controversies of 2025, this rivalry continues to shape the modern landscape of international cricket.

The rivalry dates back to 1952, when the two sides first met in a three-match Test series following the 1947 partition. India won that inaugural contest 2–1, setting the stage for decades of fiercely contested encounters across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. While the contest has produced classics in every format, it is in the shortest format — T20 cricket — that the modern chapter of this rivalry has intensified.



India and Pakistan met in a T20 International during the group stage of the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007. Since then, the two teams have faced off 16 times in T20Is, with India leading the head-to-head 13–3.

The 2025 India vs Pakistan Timeline

September 14 – The Handshake Row

The flashpoint came in Dubai when India captain Suryakumar Yadav declined the customary pre-toss handshake with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha. After India’s seven-wicket win, Indian players again avoided post-match handshakes. Yadav later confirmed the decision was deliberate, linking it to the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir and the May conflict, saying, “A few things in life are above sportsman’s spirit.”

September 17 – Match Delayed in Protest

The controversy spilled into Pakistan’s Asia Cup match against the UAE. Pakistan refused to take the field, demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging he had enforced India’s request to prevent the captains’ handshake. The match was delayed by an hour before Pycroft apologised for a “miscommunication.”

September 21 – On-Field Verbal Clashes

When the rivals met again in Dubai, tensions were visible throughout India’s six-wicket victory. Haris Rauf exchanged heated words with Abhishek Sharma, who responded with a match-winning 74. Rauf gestured “6-0” toward Indian fans and mimed a crashing aircraft. Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan marked his half-century with a mock gun celebration. Both boards later filed complaints with the ICC.

September 28 – Trophy Refusal in Final

India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup final, completing a 3–0 sweep in the tournament. However, India refused to accept the trophy from the ACC president and Pakistan's interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi. The ceremony was delayed by more than an hour, and India celebrated by pretending to lift an imaginary trophy.

October 5 – Dispute Reaches Women’s Cricket

At the ICC Women’s World Cup in Sri Lanka, India’s women’s team followed the precedent set by the men and did not offer handshakes to Pakistan.

November 4 – ICC Sanctions

The ICC found Suryakumar Yadav, Haris Rauf, and Sahibzada Farhan guilty of breaching the code of conduct. Yadav and Rauf were fined 30 percent of their match fees and handed two demerit points each, while Rauf’s repeat offence resulted in a two-match ban. Jasprit Bumrah received one demerit point for a similar gesture, and Farhan was issued a warning.

January 25 – World Cup Uncertainty

Pakistan cast doubt over participation in the T20 World Cup following Bangladesh’s exit, saying a final decision would follow consultation with the prime minister.

February 1 – Boycott Announced

Pakistan announced it would boycott its February 15 World Cup match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh.

February 9 – Boycott Reversed

Following diplomatic engagement involving multiple cricket boards, Pakistan reversed its decision and confirmed it would take the field.

India vs Pakistan Head-to-Head (T20 Internationals)

• India: 13 wins
• Pakistan: 3 wins

All eyes now turn to today, when India and Pakistan face off in the 27th Match of Group A at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The night fixture at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium is scheduled for 7:00 PM local time (1:30 PM GMT), setting the stage for another high-pressure encounter under lights.

After months of controversy, boycott announcements, and diplomatic reversals, the two teams will once again let their cricket do the talking. In a tournament setting where every point matters, this Group A clash is not just another game; it is the next defining chapter in the sport’s most-watched rivalry.