IND vs PAK: Shahid Afridi declares India vs Pakistan as Cricket's Super Bowl, refuses to name T20 World Cup 2024 favorites

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi talked about the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup 2024. He said that the game between the two arch-rivals is like a Super Bowl and which team will hold its nerve well will win the game.

India and Pakistan are all set to square off with each other in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The match between the two arch-rivals will be played at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday (9th June).

India vs Pakistan game no doubt is always a big ticket clash and this time around it will also be the same. The two teams have always engaged in high intensity and with the game being in the 20-over format, it promises even more entertainment as it is unpredictable.

Both India and Pakistan have been sensational in the last few times they have played in T20Is. They went in neck to neck despite the pressure being high. While it was Pakistan, who won in 2021, India made a strong comeback in 2022. This time around with the new venue, both teams will have an equal chance.

Shahid Afridi talked about the importance of the India vs Pakistan game, saying that he used to love playing against India as it’s a big rivalry. He also talked about the love and respect he got from the Indian fans during his playing days.

Shahid Afridi said that both India and Pakistan have talent in the team but the game will be about handling pressure. Speaking to ICC, he explained:

“For those Americans discovering the tournament, they should know that Pakistan's game against India is like our Super Bowl. I used to 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 the tournament overall. The team that can hold its nerve will come out on top."

I hope that will be Pakistan this time around - Shahid Afridi on the winners of the T20 World Cup 2024

Shahid Afridi further talked about Pakistan’s chances for the T20 World Cup 2024, saying that hopefully, they will win the tournament. He admitted that although the current form of the team isn’t good, they have the talent to win. He added:

“I hope that will be Pakistan this time around, but it is hard to pick a favorite. 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 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 concluded.