Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will square off against each other in a high-voltage ICC T20 World Cup 2016 clash tomorrow. As the things are hotting up both on and off the field, legendary Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad feels there is no security threat in Kolkata.
“It is the government's responsibility to give security to players. As Pakistanis, we have felt this before but once we land up, there is no security threat. Kolkata has only sports loving people. They are passionate. Sports should not be a war and the world makes fun of us,” Javed Miandad pointed out.
Earlier, Miandad slammed Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi for his “India love” comment. According to a report on NDTV sports, he said referring to Afridi’s comment, “Amir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan have given India a good name. Can there be more love for you than your motherland? What has happened in India in two days that Afridi has said this?”
On the other hand, Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that people from both sides of the border love cricketers irrespective of any particular team. He revealed that he loved to watch Pakistan great Hanif Mohammad bat and he used to bunk school to watch him bat.
Politics is not in the hands of cricketers
Gavaskar also clarified, “Politics is not in the hands of cricketers. As sportspersons, we don't know what goes on behind the scenes in diplomacy”
He also added that the off-field camaraderie amongst the players from both the sides was great too. Gavaskar said he was great friends with Pakistan great Zaheer Abbas and Javed Miandad.
According to Miandad, Pakistan would have surely learnt from the past and they have a formidable bowling line-up at their disposal. He also advised the skipper Shahid Afridi to bat up the order as he can torment the India bowling line up.
Afridi was at his destructive best against Bangladesh as smashed the Bangladesh bowlers at will. He promoted himself up the order in that game and tormented the Bangladesh bowling with his gigantic sixes. Pakistan is surely high on confidence after their crushing win against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens.
On the other hand, India, who started the tournament as clear favourites, were jolted in their opening game against New Zealand. The Kiwi spin-trio weaved a web of spin around the Indian batsmen and India were skittled out for a paltry 79 in reply to New Zealand’s 126.
Pakistan have never beaten India in any World cup game in any format. It is a great chance for the men in green to turn the tide this time around as they surely have the momentum with them. But hosts India will also look to bounce back against their arch-rivals and set their tournament rolling. It will be a thrilling encounter for sure.
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