WATCH: Harbhajan Singh, Shoaib Akhtar reignite India-Pakistan rivalry with hilarious tussle ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

The DP World ILT20 2025 culminated in a thrilling finale as the Dubai Capitals clinched their maiden title with a four-wicket victory over the Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 9.

Harbhajan Singh and Shoaib Akhtar’s playful banter steals the show

Adding a layer of excitement to the final, legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar engaged in a lighthearted banter that playfully rekindled their on-field rivalry.

In a staged yet entertaining moment, Harbhajan was seen preparing to bat while Akhtar held a ball, both adopting an aggressive stance as they walked toward each other, creating the illusion of a tense face-off -only for it to be revealed as a friendly exchange.

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India-Pakistan rivalry in the Champions Trophy

The playful interaction was a nod to the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the upcoming Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan and Dubai. The video encapsulated the excitement and competitive spirit surrounding the high-stakes encounter between the two cricketing nations.

Watch the video here:

India vs Pakistan clash on February 23 in Champions Trophy 2025

Meanwhile, the 2025 Champions Trophy kickstarts on February 19 with defending champions and hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. The marquee India-Pakistan clash is set for February 23 in Dubai. The other two teams in the group are Bangladesh and New Zealand. India will face Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on March 2. The other group comprises of Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa.

Hybrid hosting format for Champions Trophy 2025

The eight-team tournament is being hosted in a hybrid format, with UAE being the other venue alongside Pakistan after India decided not to travel to the country owing to the strained political ties between the two nations. While Pakistan had travelled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, India's last visit to Pakistan dates back to the 2008 Asia Cup. The two teams have not played any bilateral cricket since 2012-13, with their meetings limited to multi-team ICC and ACC events.