Asia Cup 2023: 'Sometimes India Lose Due to Media Pressure'- Shoaib Akhtar Makes Massive Statement Ahead of India-Pakistan Clash
Published - 18 Aug 2023, 07:44 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:17 AM
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has made a massive statement ahead of the India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2023. The tournament begins on August 30 with the IND-PAK match on September 2 in Pallekele.
India-Pakistan matches have been exciting in recent times with Pakistan beating India in the T20 World Cup 2021 and Asia Cup 2022. India took revenge by beating them in the T20 World Cup 2022 clash at the MCG. India then lost out to eventual champions England in the semi-final.
There is a lot of excitement and anticipation regarding the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup. Both teams can eventually play the final as well. Meanwhile, Akhtar in his recent conversation with RevSportz spoke about the time when Pakistan used to beat India more often in the late 90s and early 2000s.
He shared an instance from the 2007 Test series played in India asking Shahid Afridi to dismiss the Indian batters so that they can enjoy the nightlife of Bangalore city.
“There were times when we used to be all over India. I remember in a Test match in Bangalore, I told Afridi ‘Please finish the game quickly man. It is Friday night in Bangalore. We have to go out too.’ That is how confident we were because of our superior pace attack” Shoaib Akhtar recalled saying.
He further made a very explosive comment on the reason behind India losing matches in ICC tournaments. He said that the added pressure of the Indian media is the real reason why India lose in ICC tournaments.
“Sometimes India doesn’t lose because of lack of talent. They lose because of the pressure from their own media. I always tell Indian media that at least care a little about your team and stop mounting pressure on them. When you make us underdogs, the pressure is off us completely as we have nothing to lose” the former Pakistan pacer further added.
Pakistan Should Travel India For World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar
He concluded by saying that Pakistan should travel to India for the World Cup and beat the hosts.
“This is going to be an amazing World Cup, but I hope it’s not the last one because I don’t see a future of 50-over cricket. I hope India makes a lot of revenue because a part of that revenue goes to ICC and then it comes to Pakistan and helps our domestic cricket.”
“I really hope Pakistan goes to India for the World Cup. It is India’s home crowd with their TV rights and their sponsorship money. Pakistan have no pressure and they can beat India on Indian pitches. Why should they not go to the World Cup? Absolutely they should” Shoaib Akhtar concluded saying.
Read More: Pakistan World Cup Schedule 2023: Full Schedule With PDF, Match List, Time Table, Date, Venue, Time
