Vaibhav Tripathi
Former Pakistan cricket captain Misbah-ul-Haq has voiced his support for the national team’s participation in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to be held in India later this year. He observed that not sending the team would deny fans the chance to witness the high-stakes clash between the arch-rivals on the grandest stage.
The match between the two countries is scheduled to take place on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, there has been speculation and uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has clarified that their team’s presence in the World Cup will depend on government approval.
“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. It is a great injustice to the fans who follow Pakistan and Indian cricket a lot. Certainly, Pakistan should be playing in the World Cup even in India,” Misbah-ul-Haq said as quoted by PTI.
“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,” he added.