Pakistan should be playing in the World Cup even in India: Misbah-ul-Haq

Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has requested the authorities to not mix cricket with politics and to allow the national team to travel to India for the upcoming ODI World Cup. He added by saying that the same thing never happens when it comes to other sports and thus, cricket too should be treated in a similar manner. 

Notably, India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket for over ten years now due to political tensions. Recently, India rejected Pakistan’s invitation to the upcoming Asia Cup, and since then, there have been a lot of talks regarding the Babar Azam-led side’s participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Pakistan are yet to clear the air regarding their participation and thus, Misbah opined that the team should definitely travel to India and enjoy playing under pressure situations.

“When there can be contacts between the two countries in other sports, why not in cricket? Why link cricket with political relations? It is unfair to deprive people of a chance to see their teams play against each other. It is a great injustice to the fans who follow Pakistan and Indian cricket a lot.

“Certainly, Pakistan should be playing in the World Cup even in India. The many times I have played in India, we have enjoyed the pressure and crowds there because it gives you motivation, and conditions in India suit us. Our team has the capability to do well in Indian conditions,” said Misbah as reported by NDTV.

The key to doing well in the World Cup is to get the playing XIs right at particular venues and against particular opposition: Misbah

The former cricketer also stated that the players shouldn’t be bothered about what is happening outside the ground and instead should be focusing on the World Cup glory. 

“What is happening outside their sphere, they should not think about it. The key to doing well in the World Cup in India is to get the playing XIs right at particular venues and against particular opposition,” Misbah added.

Notably, the Men in Green will be beginning their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.