‘India’s name was written on the trophy during innings break’ – Inzamam-ul-Haq on Platinum Jubilee Cup match in 2004

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan captain, went down the memory lane and recalled an incident from BCCI’s Platinum Jubilee Cup match in 2004. The match was played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and after India posted 292 on the board, Inzamam mentioned that the hosts’ name was written on the trophy.

A number of dignitaries, including current Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, was also present at the iconic venue. Nevertheless, it was the visitors who ended up winning the match by six wickets with an over to spare. Inzamam said how celebrations took place in the Indian camp at half-time itself, keeping in mind the enormity of the target.

BCCI had arranged for a big trophy for the winners: Inzamam-ul-Haq

“India had invited Pakistan for the celebrations of platinum jubilee of BCCI. It was organised in a grand style. Former players from Pakistan were invited, politicians were also there. Imran Khan was there. BCCI had invited all Indian captains. When the first innings ended, they made them take rounds of the ground in small batches,” Inzamam told on his YouTube channel.

“So, there was a lot of pressure for that match. BCCI had arranged for a big trophy for the winners. India won the toss and batted first. They scored 292 for six. 293 was never chased before there. I remember they wrote India as the winners of the platinum jubilee cup.

“They were so confident because they had a very good team. India always had a good team. That score had never been chased there before so they were confident of winning. The celebrations began at lunchtime,” he said.

For India, Yuvraj Singh, batting at number six, played a gem of a hand, scoring 78 off 62. He got apt support from Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman and skipper Sourav Ganguly, who all scored in the 40s and 50s. taking India to the formidable score.

However, all the efforts were neutralised by Salman Butt during the run-chase. The left-hander notched 108* off 130 balls with the help of 13 fours. Shoaib Malik and captain Inzamam also chipped in with 61 and 75, contributing to Pakistan’s triumph in the encounter.