The Partition Effect - Meet The Men Who Played Test Cricket For Both India And Pakistan

The days of August 14 and 15 are ones that shall not be easily forgotten by people of two countries - Pakistan and India. Yes, India was getting its independence from British rule but at the cost of unity. We became two countries and in 1971 would eventually become three with the birth of Bangladesh.

But let's not digress, the fact of the matter is that families were separated. Due to communal tensions and violence, people crossed over from both sides. Hindus headed for India while Muslims sought refuge in Pakistan. Of course many chose to remain where they were. Nonetheless one place it did affect among others was sports, and one in particular - cricket.

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Now one must remember that India entered Test cricket in 1932 and thus during partition had played some games. However, a new nation was now born and soon in 1952, Pakistan made an entry into the oldest format of the game. Thus began the rivalry which is referred to as the Mother of All Battles and only a fool would say that the political tensions have nothing to do with it. Our border tensions have only spiced up the clashes more. In fact when we were at war in Kargil, India and Pakistan faced off in the 1999 World Cup. Like the war, we won that game too.

However let us not get ahead of ourselves. As mentioned, many Muslim families crossed over to Pakistan. This included some of the Muslim players who represented India. But the love of cricket did not diminish so it was not inconceivable that 5 years later when Pakistan entered the Test scene, some of them would turn up to play for their new country. Thus there are those men who have had the distinction of representing both India and Pakistan at Test level. So who are those with that unique feat against their names? Let's find out:

1. Gul Mohammad

A popular Ranji star, the man played 8 Tests for India. After partition he settled in Pakistan and turned up for one game which would be his last appearance in 1956. It was the only match he played for Pakistan. Known to be a brilliant fielder and also a good kabaddi player and swimmer, he finally called time on his career in 1959.

2. Abdul Kardar

A debut for India at Lord's in 1946 which saw him score well-made 43 he was a future talent who would have no doubt done well for us. But sadly politics had other plans and he shifted allegiances when the country was divided. In 1952 he became Pakistan's first Test captain and led them onto the field against India. Interestingly Gul was playing in the Indian side at that time against his future fellow team members. A shrewd leader and artistic batsman, Kardar brought down the curtains on his playing days in 1957.

3. Amir Elahi

The man broke into the Indian team in 1947 as a leg-break bowler. He would play 5 more Tests, but all those would be under Pakistan colours. Imagine if partition had not occurred then all these guys could have played for India for all we know. One could wonder how it would have been to have Imran Khan and Kapil Dev playing together or maybe Wasim Akram and Sachin Tendulkar joining forces. Would that not have made us even a deadlier force? We shall never know sadly.