20-20 World Cup: ‘An Indo-Pak final will be great’ – Saqlain Mushtaq
Saqlain Mushtaq (Image Credit: Twitter)
Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has said that he wants to see an India-Pakistan final for the 20-20 World Cup title. The two teams had clashed in their first match of the Super 12s, where the Babar Azam-led side picked up a comprehensive 10 wicket win. This was Pakistan’s first win over India in World Events. Carrying on, Pakistan then went on to beat New Zealand in their second game to occupy the top position in the points table.
Mushtaq said he wants Pakistan to face India in the final because India are a strong team and one of the favourites for the title. “When you come with a mindset to become a world champion then you don’t think about the opponent,” Saqlain said in a virtual press conference on Thursday.
“If India makes it to the final with us, it would be a great thing because I feel — and this is not because we became big-headed after beating them — but because they are a strong team, everyone considers them a favourite.”
He further said that an Indo-Pak final will be a great prospect for the cricket’s governing body and the fans. The cricket fanatics have been deprived of some quality cricket between the two Asian giants owing to the political tensions. The two teams don’t play bilateral series and only face in global events and Asia Cup. Mushtaq feels playing one more match can improve the relations between the two countries. “If India comes in the final, then it would be very good for the ICC, fans around the world, and for world cricket — everyone will enjoy it. They are our neighbouring country and playing one more match would only improve our relations,” he pointed.
The possibility of an India-Pakistan game cannot be denied but it’s too early to predict the two teams competing in the title. There is a lot of cricket to be played in the tournament, with every team having an even chance of qualification.
