August 14
and 15 hold great significance in the history of the Indian subcontinent. On
those days in 1947, the peninsula nation was divided into two parts into two
new countries – India and Pakistan – as the British rule over the region ended.

Great
social unrest and communal violence followed in the hours after the partition,
with millions slaughtered as they tried to cross over from one country to
another. Hindus tried to get across to India, while Muslims tried to get to
Pakistan and in that process, millions were slaughtered.

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The
partition affected every walk of life, with sports no exception. And with both
countries being obsessed with cricket, the sport is bound to see some fallout
from those events. India began playing Test cricket in 1932 and some included
some players who later switched their allegiances to Pakistan, who entered the
Test format in 1952.

The rivalry
between the two neighbours have made for some of the most iconic stories in the
sport’s history. The political tensions between these two countries often
simmered over on the field of play, with both teams carrying more than sporting
incentives to defeat the other.

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As both
countries celebrate their 75th Independence Day, here is a look at
the few cricketers who have the distinction of having represented both India
and Pakistan in Test cricket:

Gul Mohammad

Gul Mohammad
played eight Tests for India and represented Pakistan in one match after the
partition, his first and last, in 1956. A popular star in the Ranji scene,
Mohammad was known as an energetic fielder and also was a renowned kabaddi player
and swimmer. He retired from cricket in 1959.

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Abdul Kardar

Abdul Hafeez Kardar
made his Test debut for India at Lord’s Cricket Ground in 1946 and scored 43.
However, he chose to play for Pakistan after Partition, and was their first
Test captain in 1952, when he led them against India. Interestingly, Gul was
playing for Indian and against his future team-mates that day. Kardar retired in
1957.

Amir Elahi

The leg-spinner
played his first Test for India in 1947 and would go on to play five for Pakistan. He had the distinction of being cap no #1 among Pakistan cricketers.