Photo Credit: Peshawar Zalmi
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, now confined to ICC events, once flourished with frequent contests in the 1970s and 1980s. Discussions about those matches often bring nostalgia, especially when legends of the game reflect on their experiences.
One such icon, Pakistan’s Zaheer Abbas—widely known as “Asia’s Bradman” for his prolific run-scoring—recently shared memories of his playing days during a gathering at the Cricket Club of India. With 108 first-class centuries to his name, Zaheer was a batting artist, admired for his elegant stroke play and remarkable consistency.
Former Indian pacer Karsan Ghavri, who played against Zaheer, recalled his brilliance at the crease. “Even in T20s we see batters play three-four dot balls, but there was no dot ball when Zed was at the crease, he would be looking for a run every ball, manoeuvring the field,” said Ghavri, gesturing to highlight Zaheer’s famed wristwork. Indian bowlers found him a formidable opponent, as reflected in his staggering average of 87 in 19 Tests against India, including six centuries. His first three innings against India in 1978 read: 176, 96, and 235.
Beyond the cricket field, Zaheer has a personal connection to India—his wife hails from Kanpur. Though he has visited the country often in the past, this trip came after a gap of seven to eight years. “I have come here with great difficulty, (but) having reached here, I am enjoying a lot. The development which I am seeing is something more than I expected, which is a very good thing for India, which you will keep seeing and keep doing,” he shared.
One of the reasons for his reduced visits to Mumbai is the passing of Raj Singh Dungarpur, the former BCCI and CCI president. Remembering him fondly, Zaheer said, “When Dungarpur sahab was alive at that time, I used to come a lot here. After he passed away, it’s become difficult. He has done me a lot of favours. It’s a special place for me, I am glad to be here. I haven’t scored a hundred here but played a lot of practice matches.”
During his visit, Zaheer reunited with old friends, including Sunil Gavaskar and Karsan Ghavri. Spotting Ghavri, he addressed him as “hero,” just as he did during their playing days. Expressing his disappointment over the absence of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan, Zaheer pointed to Ghavri and said, “Hero has played there (in Pakistan), you can ask him if he had any problem.” He further stressed, “It was great fun; after the game we used to dine together, chit chat. I don’t understand what happened that there is a break in bilateral matches, it shouldn’t have happened. We are neighbours and both love cricket. Teams should come to each other’s countries and relations will improve.”
Zaheer also recalled a memorable moment from the 1971 Rest of the World XI tour of Australia, where he played alongside Gavaskar. During that series, West Indian great Rohan Kanhai remarked, “The Karachi Bradman (Zaheer), Bombay Bradman (Gavaskar) and the Real Bradman (Don) are here.”
Their bond extended beyond the field. Reminiscing about the 1971 Indian team’s tour of England, Zaheer shared, “We had a great association with Indian players because colour is the same, language is the same. Before that series (in Australia), the Indian team had come to England (1971), and because I knew Gavaskar quite well – he had also scored a double hundred (against West Indies) and I also got a double hundred (against England, both at the start of their careers). So, I went into the Indian dressing room (during the famous Oval Test) though it was not allowed; but the love was so much for the Indian players that I went inside. Gavaskar introduced me to the team and I said, ‘I am here to wish the Indian team to win,’ and they won.” Former India batter Kenia Jayantilal also recalled this interaction.
While watching the recent India-Pakistan Champions Trophy game in Dubai, Zaheer was impressed with India’s performance. “I am very happy when Asian countries do well and progress. The amount of talent there is in India and Pakistan, I don’t think it will be anywhere else. India have won the Champions Trophy because of their spinners… Overall, India is doing well,” he remarked, reiterating the need for more matches between the two nations.
As for Pakistan’s current struggles, he acknowledged their early exit as Champions Trophy hosts but found hope in their dominant T20 victory over New Zealand, where they chased down 204 runs in just 16 overs with only one wicket lost.
With the IPL now underway, Zaheer follows Indian players closely. “When I am home, I do follow; the international players I don’t follow that much, but Indian players I follow,” he admitted.
Through all his reflections, one message remained clear—Zaheer Abbas believes cricket can bring India and Pakistan closer together, just as it did in his playing days.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
