A heartwarming photograph from 2017 captured MS Dhoni holding Abdullah, the three-month-old son of Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, on the eve of the Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan.
Eight years later, as Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, Sarfaraz has shared the story behind this memorable moment and his conversation with Dhoni.
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“The moment happened when his family friends were visiting, and Dhoni happened to come downstairs. He thought it would be a perfect opportunity to capture the moment with my three-month-old son,” revealed Sarfaraz to Cricket Pakistan, speaking about the iconic picture.
Sarfaraz led Pakistan to victory in the Champions Trophy 2017, becoming the first Pakistan captain since Imran Khan to secure a 50-over ICC title. Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs in the final at the Oval.
“I had a long conversation with Dhoni about wicket-keeping and cricket in general. I asked him how he managed to balance his roles as a wicketkeeper, batsman, and captain. The tips Dhoni shared with me were immensely helpful. He was very humble and generous in offering his advice,” Sarfaraz said.
India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other in Champions Trophy 2025. While Pakistan hosts the tournament, the India-Pakistan match will be played in Dubai on Sunday, February 23.
Pakistan are due to host a major ICC tournament for the first time since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup.
“Whenever Indian and Pakistani players meet, there is always mutual respect and friendship, after matches it’s not uncommon to see players like Shoaib Malik, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and others sitting together, chatting and enjoying each other’s company,” Sarfaraz stated.
India and Pakistan have had no bilateral series since 2013.
New Zealand and Bangladesh complete the group featuring India and Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025.
Pakistan are aiming to defend their title, while India seek their third title to become the sole record holder of Champions Trophy victories. Currently, both India and Australia have won two trophies each.
