'He is the Inzamam-Ul-Haq of India': Shoaib Akhtar names Indian player who is more popular than Virat Kohli

While India and Pakistan don't meet for bilateral series and only lock horns during ICC tournaments, fans from across borders have adoration for the players. Now ahead of their clash in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, former cricketers from both nations have been sharing their own experience of this iconic contest.

Reflecting on the Indo-Pak clash, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar highlighted how many Indian cricketers are loved in his country.

"In Pakistan, people like and appreciate Indian cricketers. They praise Virat Kohli, they like Rohit Sharma even more. They call him India's Inzamam," the Rawalpindi Express said on Zee News.

"People appreciate Rishabh Pant, for the way he had played in Australia. Then there is Suryakumar Yadav. He is being appreciated too. So, Pakistan holds a very good narrative about India," Shoaib continued.

The pacer also spoke about the love and affection he has received in the past and continues to do so from the people of India. 

"If you look at my videos, they are not on the ground of hate. I believe that as a former cricketer, a brand ambassador and as a human being, that my comments should be balanced. People say that the comments I make are to make money. That is not true. I have so many fans in India. I am a lucky Pakistani whom Indians love so much. There is no doubt about that. I don’t want to hurt their sentiments or mine," Akhtar pointed out.

From the group stages, only 2 of 6 teams will qualify for the T20 World Cup semi-finals. The Indo-Pak contest will kick off the proceedings in Group 2 and it will be of huge importance for both teams'.