"The Day Virat Kohli Plays In Pakistan...": Ex Pak Star's Bold Statement

There arguably isn't a bigger brand in world cricket at the moment in than India's Virat Kohli. The 'chase-master' has the biggest of records in the cricketing spectrum, especially in the ODI format, and his craze remains unmatched, no matter which part of the globe he goes to. Though Pakistan remain India's most bitter rivals, even fans across the border are crazy about Virat Kohli. Former Pakistan stars like Rashid Latif, Azhar Ali, etc. went ga-ga over Kohli, narrating the fan following the India talisman has in the neighboring country.

"The day Virat plays in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi or in Multan, only then you guys will understand his craze in Pakistan," former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali told The Indian Express.

"You won't believe but the stadium will be filled with green jerseys, magar peeche naam Babar ya Shaheen ka nahi, Virat ka hoga aur No 18 ke saath (but the name on the backs won't be Babar Azam or Shaheen Shah Afridi, it will Virat Kohli's along with his jersey No 18)," he added.

Virat Kohli went through a tough period with the bat, from 2019 to 2022. It wasn't just India that prayed for his form during that phase, but also Pakistan. Ali said that he himself offered prayers for Kohli when he was struggling for runs.

"When he was out of form, I prayed so many times for him. Allah isko aaj run banane do (Please god let him score). I have prayed for Kohli. I don't know why but I did consistently for three years," he laughs. "You will find people, who will criticise Virat's batting but before criticising him at least try and understand what he has done for over 15 years. There was a dip but he bounced back. I have not seen anyone doing that," says Azhar.

Rashid Latif, a former Pakistan batter, summed up