ICC World Cup 2019 | Don’t take India-Pakistan match as war, says Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram has stated that the encounter between India and Pakistan on Sunday at Old Trafford should not be taken as a war and the fans on both sides should stay calm and enjoy it. India have never lost a World Cup match to Pakistan before but they did lose the Champions Trophy final in 2017.
India and Pakistan last faced each other in the Asia Cup in 2018 and the second-ranked side handed two huge defeats to their neighbours. India have won six of the seven matches played against Pakistan in the last five years but the one match which the latter had won, which is the Champions Trophy 2017 final, will give them a ray of hope for Sunday’s clash.
With tensions running high and political relationship between the two countries tense, many people have casually termed the encounter as a war. However, Wasim Akram has advised the fans to stay calm and enjoy the rivalry.
“This can’t be bigger. India and Pakistan playing at the World Cup with over a billion audience is the biggest thing in cricket, so my message to both sets of fans to enjoy it and stay calm. One team will win, one team will lose, so stay graceful and do not take this as a war. Those who project this match as war are not true cricket fans,” he said on Friday, reported AFP.
Pakistan have never defeated India in a World Cup game, dating back to 1992. Akram has himself been a part of the games in 1992,1999 and 2003 matches of the quadrennial event, while he missed out the 1996 quarter-finals due to a shoulder injury. The legendary pacer reckoned that nobody else can realise the pressure more than him.
“Who can realise the pressure more than me? I used to look forward to a match against India because it brings the best out of the players from both sides. Pakistan can beat India through controlled aggression,” the 53-year-old expressed.
“Yes, I don’t have fond memories of the World Cup matches against India but I have enjoyed all these matches over the year as fans are glued to television wherever they are. It will be like that again on Sunday,” added the former skipper.
The cricketer turned commentator did not shy away from the fact that India is a stronger team but at the same time, hoped that his country is able to match their counterparts for one day.
“Yes, India has a strong batting and bowling line up but Pakistan can match them. When it comes to India and Pakistan game, the team that handles the pressure well wins the day,” explained the Lahore born player.
Four matches have been abandoned due to rain at the 10-match tournament so far. Like every other fan, Akram also hoped that the rain stays away despite the fact that weather reports state the contrary.Â
“I surely hope that rain stays off. Fans want to watch a full matches, intense and lively so we all hope that rain stays away,” he signed off.
