Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq. File.
| Photo Credit: AP
Former Pakistan cricket captain Misbah-ul-Haq has advocated for his nation’s staff be allowed to compete within the ODI World Cup in India and added that not sending the aspect for the mega-event can be “depriving people” of the chance to see the arch-rivals conflict on the most important stage.
“When there can be contacts between the two countries in other sports, why not in cricket. Why link cricket with political relations? It is unfair to deprive people of a chance to see their teams play against each other,” mentioned Misbah, the 49-year-old former Pakistan captain and coach at a perform right here on Friday, July 14.
“It is great injustice to the fans who follow Pakistan and Indian cricket a lot,” added the batter, who has greater than 11,000 worldwide runs.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) just lately conveyed to the ICC and the BCCI that the nationwide staff’s participation within the World Cup in October-November this yr is topic to authorities clearance as a result of tense relations between the 2 international locations.
India has refused to play its Asia Cup matches in Pakistan owing to geopolitical tensions, and after months of hypothesis across the continental event, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) introduced that the occasion will likely be staged in a hybrid mannequin with 4 video games in Pakistan and 9 in Sri Lanka (impartial venue) from August 31 to September 17.
Also Read:Pakistan PM types high-level committee to resolve on nationwide staff’s participation in ODI World Cup
PCB appearing chairman Zaka Ashraf can be pushing for Pakistan’s World Cup matches in opposition to India to be performed at impartial venues.
Misbah felt it was time Pakistan ought to go to India and the Indian staff also needs to come to Pakistan to play matches.
“Certainly Pakistan should be playing in the World Cup even in India,” he added. “The many times I have played in India, we have enjoyed the pressure and crowds there. Because it gives you motivation and conditions in India suit us. Our team has the capability to do well in Indian conditions.” Misbah additionally suggested the gamers to simply deal with cricket and successful the World Cup.
“What is happening outside their sphere they should not think about it. The key to doing well in the World Cup in India is to get the playing XIs right at particular venues and against particular opposition.” Afridi too felt Pakistan should go to India for the World Cup.
“The biggest challenge for me or for any professional cricketer is dealing with the pressures which come with playing in India and trying to do well there in front of Indian crowds,” mentioned Afridi.
“Overall we have enjoyed playing in India because the satisfaction and recognition you get if you can do well and perform in Indian is a worthy reward for any player,” he added.
The flamboyant all-rounder additionally mentioned that Pakistan had acquired good venues for his or her World Cup matches and planning correctly would go well with them.
“We have a very good side and some outstanding talent and I don’t see any reason why we can’t go to India and do well there even if we play at Ahmedabad,” he added.
Afridi additionally expressed concern over the frequent modifications within the PCB.
“It is a bother for the players and fans alike. I say develop a system so that it doesn’t matter who comes and goes, the system should stay and decisions must be respected.” He additionally felt that cricketers should be given main roles within the PCB since they know the game and perceive the psyche of gamers.
Source: www.thehindu.com
