Watch: The Pakistan players surprised the Australia cricket team during their nets session at the MCG on Monday with Christmas gifts, which were given to the players and their families.
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Ahead of the second Test between the two teams on Boxing Day, the visiting team went to meet the Australian side during practice with gifts and candies. Several Pakistan players, including skipper Shan Masood and former captain Babar Azam, along with members of the coaching staff, were seen walking into the indoor nets at the MCG with gift baskets, hampers and lollipops.
Australia captain Pat Cummins was later seen carrying the hampers, while the young children of the players were given sweets by the Pakistan staff.
The two teams were also seen sharing smiles as they chatted with the kids around the camp. Babar later also hugged Usman Khwaja’s daughter, whose father was recently reprimanded by the ICC for wearing black armbands during the first Test, days after he was told to take messages saying “All Lives are equal” and “Freedom is a human right” off his kit.
Cummins later spoke about the gesture: “That was just great. Just Merry Christmas gifts and lollipops for the kids. So that was great. We’ve got a good relationship with the Pakistan side. That tour a couple of years ago was really special as well. So really kind and thoughtful of their group to think of us.”
During the Asia Cup this year, Pakistan speedster Shaheen Afridi gave Jasprit Bumrah a gift after the latter became a dad during the tournament.
Watch Pakistan players gifting Christmas gifts to Australians here:
Warm wishes and heartfelt gifts for the Australian players and their families at the MCG indoor nets 🎁✨ pic.twitter.com/u43mJEpBTR
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 25, 2023
