As India and Pakistan fought hard on the cricket field to win the first bilateral series between them in four years, there was a celebration of 25 years of one-day internationals at the Eden Gardens.

To mark the occasion, a function was held by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to honour some of the former players from both India and Pakistan.

These former cricketers were presented with silver salvers, a shawl, a commemorative tie and a cheque of Rs. 1 lakh each. Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Bannerjee did the honours in the presence of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief, Mr. Zaka Ashraf and CAB President, Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya.

The players took a lap of honour in open flower-adorned jeeps. Indian legends, Sunil Gavkaskar and Kapil Dev, paired up in one jeep and delighted the Eden crowd, as did some of the other former legends.

From India, the likes of Bishen Singh Bedi, GR Vishwanath, Ajit Wadekar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Anil Kumble and Sandeep Patil graced the venue. Krish Srikkanth, Navjot Singh Sidhu and Ravi Shastri were also present.

The Kolkata crowd reserved the loudest cheer for their beloved Prince, Sourav Ganguly, and their favourite adopted son, VVS Laxman. The retired batting legend was honoured for his various memorable innings at his beloved ground, the Eden Gardens - not the least of which was his remarkable 281 against Australia in that historic 2001 Test match.

Pakistan was represented by one of their greatest fast bowlers and former captain, Wasim Akram along with the likes of Mushtaq Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Intikhab Alam, Sadiq Muhammad and Rameez Raja.