Old rivals India and Pakistan to clash in gigantic Champions Trophy matchup

04 June 2017 - 02:00
By BBC.COM
CENTURION, SOUTH AFRICA:  Kamran Akmal watches as  Raul Dravid of India hits out during The ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan.
Image: Julian Herbert CENTURION, SOUTH AFRICA: Kamran Akmal watches as Raul Dravid of India hits out during The ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan.

"It's not just a game of cricket, it's a lot more than that."

Those are the words of former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal before arguably the biggest match in sport this year.

Today, Edgbaston will host India vs Pakistan in the Champions Trophy group stage.

More than a billion fans from all over the world, both Pakistan and Indian natives and those with heritage from those countries, will turn their attention to the West Midlands.

Their last 50-over meeting was in the 2015 World Cup in Australia, when India ran out comfortable winners.

India v Pakistan is a rivalry which has evolved from being solely about borders and political bragging rights to one where cricketing supremacy is a major source of pride.