Vikrant Gupta says surprised over Pakistanis' love for Indian cricketers

Renowned Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta recently visited Pakistan and shared his surprise at the immense love Pakistanis have for Indian cricketers, especially Virat Kohli.

Visiting to assess preparations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, he experienced Pakistan’s cricket culture firsthand and was deeply moved by the warm hospitality during his trip.

In an exclusive interview with a Pakistani cricket website, Gupta shared his experiences and expressed his surprise at the immense love Pakistanis have for Indian cricketers, particularly Virat Kohli. 

"The most surprising thing for me was the admiration Pakistani fans have for Indian cricketers, especially Virat Kohli. I saw young people in the streets of Lahore wearing jerseys with Kohli's number 18, which shows that cricket goes beyond political tensions or borders," he said.

Expressing hope for better relations between India and Pakistan through sports, he said, "I hope that in the future, sports will help improve relations between India and Pakistan, and such tours will play a crucial role in bringing the people of both nations closer."

Commenting on India's decision not to tour Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup and the upcoming Champions Trophy, Gupta said, "If citizens and journalists can visit each other's countries, then players should also be given the opportunity."

Gupta added that Pakistani fans not only appreciate Indian players' skills but also admire their consistency and dedication to the game. "While walking around Lahore, many people asked me about the secret behind Virat Kohli's fitness and Rohit Sharma's timing. These questions prove how closely Pakistani fans follow Indian cricketers," he added.

Speaking about Pakistan's cricket craze, Gupta said, "Pakistanis still love cricket, but the enthusiasm is not the same as before. There is no shortage of talent, but infrastructure and work at the grassroots level need improvement."

Gupta also pointed out, "In the past, information was shared only through mainstream media, but now social media provides a direct platform for people to express their emotions and thoughts."

Reflecting on his trip, Vikrant Gupta called it an unforgettable experience. "I will never forget the love and respect I received from the Pakistani people. There is love in the hearts of both nations' people for each other, but political tensions have kept them apart," he said.

He urged the people of both countries to try to understand each other and promote positive engagement.

"There is love between the people of both nations, but politics has divided them. During my stay in Pakistan, I never felt unsafe. People met me with great warmth, and most conversations were just about cricket," Gupta said.

He concluded by expressing his belief that if both governments address each other's concerns, a bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan could be revived in the future.

During his visit, Gupta faced criticism from certain quarters in India. However, he firmly defended his stance, stating, "A journalist's job is to highlight the truth and the positive aspects."