(Credit PSL)
Shahid Afridi likens the India-Pakistan clash to the highly anticipated ‘Super Bowl’ in the USA, emphasizing that the team that manages nerves more effectively will emerge victorious in the T20 World Cup showdown in New York on June 9th.
In their previous encounter at the T20 World Cup, the match between the two teams unfolded as a memorable spectacle, highlighted by Virat Kohli’s extraordinary performance, ultimately securing a remarkable victory for India.
The pinnacle of cricket will grace American soil for the inaugural time, and former Pakistan skipper Afridi will be among the eager spectators, closely observing the historic event from the stands.
“For those Americans discovering the tournament, they should know that Pakistan’s game against India is like our Super Bowl,” Afridi, who is the T20 World Cup ambassador, told ICC.
“I used to absolutely love playing India and I really believe it is the biggest rivalry in sport. When I played in those games, I got a lot of love and respect from the Indian fans and it means so much to both sides.
“Against India, it is about handling the pressure of the occasion. There is so much talent in both teams, they just need to put it together on the day. That will be the case in that game and in the tournament overall. The team that can hold its nerve will come out on top.”
The USA and the Caribbean are jointly hosting the event, with the Super 8 stage and knockout rounds set to unfold there. Afridi mentioned the challenge of selecting a favorite team in the shortest format of the game.
“T20 cricket is so unpredictable, and teams can bat so deep now. You can have a batter coming in at No.8 and smashing the ball at a strike rate of 150 to win a game. I hope that will be Pakistan this time around, but it is hard to pick a favourite,” said the former all-rounder.
Pakistan’s preparation for the tournament hasn’t been ideal, as they suffered a series defeat in England. Additionally, they faced a setback by losing a match to Ireland in the preceding series.
“Even though their form has been inconsistent in 2024, I believe they have all the ingredients to put it all together in the West Indies and USA.
“The conditions in the Caribbean will definitely suit them. There is so much talent in the side, particularly when you look at the bowling attack which should thrive over there.
“The fast bowlers are as good as any team in the world and there is so much depth as well. That class is much more important than recent form,” he said referring to the 2022 T20 World Cup finalists.
He holds a belief that the American public will gradually embrace the sport as well.
“This is also a huge tournament for American cricket. I have always had a great time when playing in the USA and for those who have not experienced it, the conditions are similar to playing in the West Indies.
“People are going to love the support in the States. There is a great expat community over there which absolutely loves cricket. And the Americans absolutely love their sport, whether it is American football, basketball or baseball.
“I really believe that cricket will hit the mainstream over there in the next few years, which is very exciting for up-and-coming cricketers,” Afridi added.
