Did you know: India vs Pakistan Test series took place during state of war?

IND-PAK series in 1999 continued despite political tensions

A game of cricket between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is always more than just a game. With political and emotional factors playing a big role during their match. But did you know that in 1999, amid the horrific Kargil War, the two nations still went ahead with a two-match Test series?

Despite heightened tensions along the border, India hosted Pakistan for a two-Test series in early 1999, just months before the Kargil conflict escalated. The series came after years of cricketing disruptions caused by political tension, including the cancellation of Pakistan's 1991 tour due to the many issues and multiple incidents of vandalism by political parties to stop matches.

1991 series cancelled

Notably, in 1991, Pakistan was scheduled to tour India for a five-Test series, but the tour was cancelled after political activists dug up the Wankhede Stadium pitch in Mumbai in protest of Pakistan’s involvement in Kashmir. This led to a series of sports being interrupted by politics.

Pakistan team returns to India for two-match Test series

After a gap of eight years in 1999, Pakistan returned to India for the Test series, making it the first full series in India since 1987. But once again, activists vandalised the Feroz Shah Kotla pitch in Delhi and even threatened to release venomous snakes onto the ground. BCCI had to deploy snake charmers as a precaution. Despite the interruptions, the match went as planned.

But this series grabbed attention because it was scheduled during the Kargil War, a full-fledged conflict between India and Pakistan that began in May 1999. Despite the tension, the crowd in Chennai applauded Pakistan’s hard-fought victory, creating one of the most respectful and emotional moments in India-Pakistan cricket history. The series ended 1-1.

Will India play Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025?

Fast forward to 2025, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) recently announced the schedule for the 2025 Asia Cup, with India and Pakistan placed in Group A and expected to clash on September 14. However, the confirmation came after the ongoing tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attack in April that claimed 26 lives. India conducted a military operation named Operation Sindoor in response.

The BCCI initially withheld confirmation of India's participation, awaiting clearance from the central government. Though the Asia Cup schedule has been released, many are asking for the board to pull out.

However, according to sources, India may not forfeit the match, given the rules of multi-nation tournaments. A walkover could hand Pakistan an advantage in the group stage. In both instances, cricket was the focal point between diplomacy and national sentiment. In 1999, despite an active war, the series proceeded. Today, despite political unrest and public anger, there a similar questions being raised.