‘It’s unfair…’, says Misbah-ul-Haq on Babar Azam’s Pakistan cricket team’s tour of India for ICC ODI World Cup 2023

Former Pakistan cricket captain Misbah-ul-Haq has made a strong pitch for his country’s team to participate in the much-anticipated ODI World Cup to be held in India. Misbah strongly believes that to deny these arch-rivals the opportunity to clash on the grandest stage would be a huge disservice to the passionate fans who have been eagerly waiting for the spectacle.

The 49-year-old Misbah said, “When there can be contact between the two countries in other sports, why not in cricket. Why link cricket with political ties? People get the chance to see their teams play against each other. Deprivation is unfair.” According to News Drum, former Pakistan captain and coach at an event in Karachi. “It is a huge injustice to the fans who love Pakistan and Indian cricket very much.

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With his vast experience as both a player and coach, Misbah has scored over 11,000 international runs and is highly respected in the cricket world. However, due to strained relations between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it clear that the team’s participation in the World Cup is dependent on government clearance. India had earlier refused to play their Asia Cup matches in Pakistan due to geopolitical tensions. As a result, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced a hybrid model for the tournament, with matches split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka as neutral venues.

“Definitely Pakistan should play in the World Cup in India as well,” he said. “Every time I have played in India, we have enjoyed the pressure and the crowd there. Because it gives you motivation and Indian conditions suit us. Our team has the ability to perform well in Indian conditions.” Misbah also advised the players to focus only on cricket and winning the World Cup.

PCB’s acting chairman Zaka Ashraf is also advocating for Pakistan’s matches against India to be played on neutral grounds. Nevertheless, Misbah strongly believes that this is the right time for Pakistan to play in India and in return host the Indian team at their home ground. He expressed his fondness for playing in India, enjoying the pressure and electric atmosphere created by the cheering crowd. Misbah further emphasized that the Indian conditions suit his team’s strengths, and he has full faith in their ability to perform exceptionally well in the tournament.

Misbah also gave valuable advice to the players and urged them to focus only on cricket and the goal of winning the World Cup. He stressed on the importance of carefully selecting the playing XI according to the specific venues and opposition teams. Former cricketer Shahid Afridi echoed Misbah’s sentiments, saying that Pakistan should participate in the World Cup in India. Afridi acknowledged the challenges associated with playing in India but also highlighted the immense satisfaction and recognition that comes with success in front of an Indian crowd.

Misbah-ul-Haq, former captain and coach of the national cricket team, meets and motivates our players as they prepare for the trip to Singapore! , pic.twitter.com/qrdYuZEcDj– Pakistan Football Federation (@TheRealPFF) 14 July 2023

Afridi expressed confidence in Pakistan’s abilities and praised the selection of good venues for the World Cup matches. He believed that with proper planning, Pakistan could excel even when they played in Ahmedabad. Afridi also raised concerns over frequent changes within the PCB and urged the establishment of a stable system that goes beyond individual leadership changes. He stressed the importance of giving prominent roles to the cricketers in the PCB as they have valuable insights into the game and understand the mindset of the players.