On Sunday, June 9, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, archrivals India and Pakistan faced off. Prior to the start of the eagerly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 match, Chris Gayle, a former West Indies batting legend, hosted an extraordinary event. Along with former all-rounders Shahid Afridi of Pakistan and Yuvraj Singh of India, Gayle was selected as an ambassador for the major event.
Gayle didn’t waste any time getting his signature on his specially created blazer before India captain Rohit Sharma entered the arena for a pre-game warm-up. A white blazer with the Indian tricolour emblazoned on the left arm and the Pakistani flag on the right was seen in the Caribbean. By signing the T20 specialist’s jacket, Sharma granted the request and captured the hearts of the supporters. Gayle, who also did the honours, contacted star Indian batsman Virat Kohli and a few other players from both teams. To complete the perfect celebration of cricket for the two cricketing heavyweights, the Universe boss also went over to Pakistani captain Babar Azam and asked for his autograph on his flashy jacket.
Babar Azam giving autograph on Chris Gayle’s shirt. ❤️👑#PakvsInd | #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/IetWCWQfFk
— M A R Y A M (@maryam_says56) June 9, 2024
Pakistan’s backs are up against the wall. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle had India tagged as the favourites to win the match before of the customary match. In their previous T20 World Cup games, India has had the upper hand over their neighbours. Pakistan and India have played each other six times, with Pakistan managing just one victory to India’s five. The former southpaw emphasised how important it was to influence Pakistan’s mood throughout the match.
Also read: IND vs. PAK: Rohit Sharma forgets the coin during the toss
“Their (Pakistan’s) backs are against the wall, and facing a side like India—who usually has the upper hand in these games—so soon after such a defeat is a major task. India is in charge, and things are undoubtedly more laid-back there. However, since this is India vs. Pakistan at a World Cup, you can’t take anything for granted,” Gayle stated in an ICC-uploaded video.
“Pakistan doesn’t have time to waste. In preparation for the tournament’s biggest match against India in New York City, which has now gotten bigger, they must regroup,” the Universe Boss declared.