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India-Pakistan cricket matches evoke unparalleled excitement and fervor among fans on both sides of the border, with their on-field rivalry igniting electric atmospheres in stadiums during multi-nation events.
The anticipation surrounding India versus Pakistan games transcends boundaries, drawing packed stadiums and record-breaking viewership worldwide. Fans’ passionate cheers amplify every delivery, boundary, and wicket, rendering these matches among the most captivating and emotionally charged in cricket.
Against this backdrop, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has injected further anticipation into the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 clash between India and Pakistan with his unexpected remarks.
Basit Ali alleges that the ICC is aiming for two India-Pakistan encounters in the T20 World Cup 2024, suggesting a deliberate effort to schedule such matchups.
Ali suggested the likelihood of not just one but two India-Pakistan showdowns during the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024, set to take place in the USA and West Indies commencing on June 1. He implied that the ICC has strategically arranged the fixture list to accommodate another potential clash between the two rivals, possibly in the semi-finals or even the final, contingent upon their performances.
The former Pakistani cricketer also hinted that the venue for the additional India-Pakistan encounter would be disclosed later, as the teams are slated to meet in a group-stage match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9.
While the notion of two pivotal confrontations between the arch-rivals has piqued the interest of cricket enthusiasts, Ali noted that the Indian cricket squad appears formidable and in top form, whereas Pakistan’s inconsistent performance could pose a challenge to the ICC’s plans.
He further stressed the significance of Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s role at the top of the batting order to bolster their prospects in the 20-team tournament. Pakistan is scheduled to kick off its campaign against the USA on June 6 in Texas.
Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “The ICC wants India and Pakistan to have two matches in the World Cup. They have made the schedule so the two teams can meet again—either in the semi-final or final. The venue we will get to know in due course. Now, it all depends on performance. Pakistan is a bit low on their form, while India, on the other hand, has played IPL and looks in good shape. For Pakistan to perform well, Babar must open.”
