Champions Trophy: Navjot Singh Sidhu Calls India-Pakistan Rivalry “The Mother Of All Battles”

February 21, 2025: Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has expressed his thoughts on the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, describing it as “the mother of all battles.” Sidhu believes that there is no other cricketing rivalry that matches the magnitude and pressure of these encounters. The two nations, with their shared cricketing history and the unmatched anticipation surrounding their meetings, have created a contest like no other.

Sidhu pointed out that the high level of expectation from both nations, with over 150 crore people hoping for a win, adds to the pressure on the players. “It is the mother of all battles. There’s nothing bigger than this. I think it’s the tension that holds everybody together. When 150 crore people expect a win from you, they will never swallow a defeat. There is a culture of retribution,” Sidhu said, referencing the immense weight of responsibility on the shoulders of the players during these matchups.

The former batter also highlighted the psychological aspect of the rivalry, stressing that it is more of a mental battle than a physical one. “This game is played more between the ears than between the hands—it’s a psychological battle. There’s plenty of nervous energy floating around, but the side that converts it into positive energy is the side that will win,” he explained.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan has been one of the most high-stakes matchups in international cricket, with both nations’ passionate fanbases making each encounter feel like a monumental event. Sidhu’s comments emphasize the pressure, intensity, and the psychological warfare that come with each India-Pakistan clash.

This Sunday, the two teams will face off once again in Dubai, with both sides eager to settle old scores. The 2017 Champions Trophy final is still fresh in the minds of many Indian fans, with Pakistan defeating India by 180 runs in a crushing victory. Pakistan’s dominant performance in that match, including a standout century from Fakhar Zaman and a brilliant bowling display from Mohammad Amir, has left India with unfinished business. The pressure and anticipation for this upcoming encounter will undoubtedly be immense.