Collaboration of Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan Against Other Countries
In the summer of 1947, a historic moment was born in the world of cricket as India, Pakistan, and Ceylon (later known as Sri Lanka) fielded a joint team in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This team, led by Ceylon's SS Jayawickreme, marked the first and only time such a collaboration took place.
The joint team faced the visiting Commonwealth XI, led by Leonard Livingstone, during their first tour of the subcontinent between the 1949-50 and 1950-51 seasons. The tour was significant as it saw the emergence of several talented cricketers, including India's CD Gopinath, who, at 95, remains India's oldest Test cricketer and the only Indian survivor from that match.
The Indian squad included legendary all-rounder Vinoo Mankad and another accomplished all-rounder, Dattu Phadkar. Phadkar's performance was particularly noteworthy, taking 6 wickets for 39 runs in the Commonwealth XI's first innings.
The visitors emerged victorious in the 1951 match at the Colombo Oval by 120 runs. Vijay Hazare, another Indian player, scored a century in the match, contributing significantly to the team's efforts.
Following this tour, the Commonwealth XI returned to India in the 1950-51 season, playing four-day matches at the Colombo Oval. The joint team played five unofficial Tests against the Indian national side and four matches in Kandy and Colombo against the Commonwealth XI.
Gul Mohammad, who was part of the team, later moved to and represented Pakistan. The name of the captain of the combined team that played against the Commonwealth XI in 1951 is not provided in the available search results.
Fast forward to 1996, another combined team, this time representing India and Pakistan, took to the field in Colombo during the Wills World Cup. The team, captained by Mohammad Azharuddin for India, included cricketing greats such as Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, and Wasim Akram. This combined team also played against Sri Lanka, showcasing a display of sub-continental unity.
Today, the concept of sub-continental unity may not be the main focus for the Indian and Pakistani players in the Super Fours match in Dubai on Sunday. However, the legacy of that historic joint team of 1947 continues to inspire cricketers and cricket enthusiasts alike.
In recent years, Gulu Ezekiel, the author of 18 sports books, has delved into the counter-factual history of Indian cricket with his latest book, "What If...? Indian Cricket's Counter-Factual History." Ezekiel's work serves as a testament to the enduring fascination with the rich history of cricket in the subcontinent.
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