NEW DELHI:
Shahid Afridi
views the India-Pakistan contest as akin to the hugely popular '
Super Bowl
' in the USA and believes that whichever team manages their nerves better will emerge victorious in the
T20 World Cup
match in New York on June 9. The previous T20 World Cup clash between the two teams was a memorable game, with
Virat Kohli
securing a special win for India.
This marks the first time cricket's biggest game will be held on American soil, and former
Pakistan
captain Afridi will be watching closely from the stands.
"For those Americans discovering the tournament, they should know that Pakistan's game against India is like our Super Bowl," said Afridi, who is the T20 World Cup ambassador, in a statement to the 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 event is co-hosted by the USA and Caribbean, with the Super 8 stage and knockouts set to take place in the Caribbean. Afridi noted the unpredictability of the T20 format makes it difficult to pick a favorite.
"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 Afridi.
Pakistan's preparation for the tournament hasn't been ideal, with losses in the series in England and a game against 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," Afridi added, referring to the 2022 T20 World Cup finalists.
Afridi is also confident that American audiences will embrace the sport.
"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 concluded.
(Inputs from PTI)
English (US) ·