Renowned Indian journalist Vikrant Gupta has made headlines during his recent visit to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Known for his insightful coverage of cricket, Gupta’s trip included candid conversations with prominent former cricketers Mohammad Amir and Ahmed Shehzad, shedding light on the current state of Pakistan cricket amid its struggles.
The trio was seen discussing Pakistan’s poor performance during the Champions Trophy, which resulted in the team finishing at the bottom of the group stage. "It’s hard to believe we’ve come to this point," Amir commented during their exchange. With only one point earned from three matches, Pakistan’s hopes for advancing were dashed after disheartening defeats, including a significant loss to India.
During the conversation, Amir and Shehzad also took the opportunity to humorously troll current Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan, who has become known for his catchphrase, “either we win or learn.” The phrase was received with laughter, as Gupta quipped, “Even though the team lost, they would learn from it and evolve their game.” This lighthearted exchange was well received on social media, with fans appreciating the camaraderie displayed.
To add to the commentary, Gupta had a notable interaction with Afghan children during his reporting. When he asked them about Virat Kohli, one young fan enthusiastically declared, "Yes! King Kohli! He just broke the 14,000-run record. He’s Babar Azam’s father!” This nostalgic moment not only reflected Kohli’s immense popularity but also showcased how cricket bridges rival nations.
Further expressing admiration for Kohli, Amir remarked, "Why do people love Ronaldo or Messi? Ronaldo is a complete package with his lifestyle, charity work, work ethic, and fitness. Likewise, Virat Kohli is a complete package." The broader sentiment was indicative of how Kohli, even amid competitive tensions, remains a revered figure for many cricket fans, extending his influence beyond Indian borders.
Gupta’s fondness for Pakistan was palpable as he revisited Lahore after nearly two decades. "Yes, I remembered when the 2004 and 2006 series took place; we used to pass through this very road. Some things have changed, but the beauty of big cities is their character stays the same," he shared with his local counterpart, Sanaullah. Their discussion spanned various topics, including the spectacular tastes of Pakistani cuisine, which Gupta enthusiastically praised as "absolutely amazing" and filled with incredible flavors.
The diplomat-like atmosphere surrounding cricket was showcased again during the recent Pakistan vs. India match at the Champions Trophy where, regardless of the outcome, Pakistani fans momentarily set aside national rivalry to acknowledge Kohli's on-field brilliance. Pakistani supporters clapped as Kohli notched his 51st ODI century.
The cross-border love concluded as Gupta shared insights about the burgeoning talent within the Pakistan cricket setup, expressing hope for the coaching methodologies to improve the team’s performances. Despite the recent losses, he emphasized the potential for revival, as players and management learn from these challenging experiences.
This perspective aligns with the sentiments of both Amir and Shehzad, who hope to see consistent growth and performance from their national team, rather than abrupt downfalls. "Pakistan cricket has its ups and downs, but with the right mindset and adaptations, the team can surely improve," suggested Shehzad during their conversation.
Consequently, as flagship tournaments like the Champions Trophy highlight national pride, they also serve as reminders of how the sport can unite even the fiercest of competitors. Gupta's trip reverberated beyond mere cricket discussions, showcasing the interwoven narratives of rivalry and respect between Pakistan and India. These elements encompass the essence of cricket, making it not just about the game, but the cultural connections and friendships formed behind it.
Looking forward, as the dust settles on Pakistan's early exit from the Champions Trophy, the cricketing community both within and outside of the country holds their breath for what’s to come. Will Pakistan regroup and emerge stronger, learning valuable lessons from their setbacks? Or will they continue to struggle as cricket dynamics evolve? Only time will tell, but for now, the shared enthusiasm and collaborative spirit over the sport offer some solace amid the heated discussions.