ICC World Cup 2019: Inzamam-ul-Haq supports current format of the tournament

The much-awaited ICC World Cup 2019 will have a new format. Unlike the recent editions where teams were initially divided into two or more groups, the upcoming edition will see all the ten participating teams being clubbed together. All the ten teams will play against each other once before the top four make it to the next round for the semifinal clash. The format, however, is not new in cricket as the same format was used in the 1992 World Cup although nine teams had played back then.

The tournament will get underway on May 30 with hosts England taking on South Africa at the Oval. The competition will see a total of 45 matches being played, with each team playing a total of nine matches before the knockout games take place. Unsurprisingly, the introduction of the old format has sparked a debate, thus dividing the cricketing fraternity into two halves.

Well, former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has backed the new format. Inzamam, who was part of the Pakistan team that won the World Cup in 1992, feels that the format will be beneficial for all competing nations, especially an ‘inconsistent’ side like Pakistan. The Pakistan chief selector is of the opinion that the new round-robin format gives a fair chance to all teams to show their worth and make a comeback even after a bad start in the competition.

“I totally support this format because all other playing formats tried by the ICC (International Cricket Council) have not been very successful. I remember in the 2007 World Cup we had one bad day against Ireland and we had to exit the event in the West Indies,” Inzamam was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

“In the single group format where each team plays against the other, it gives a chance to the established outfits to make a comeback if they falter in the early games. I think this format will suit Pakistan a lot because of our tendency to be inconsistent,” he added. Inzamam was the captain when Pakistan had sensationally crashed out of the 2007 World Cup at the group stage after suffering an embarrassing loss to Ireland

Inzamam on Pakistan’s chances:

The legendary batsman said he is very optimistic about Pakistan’s chances in the World Cup. Inzamam said that the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side has a good blend of players and has a bowling attack that can make up for the batsmen’s inconsistent show at times. “We have a good blend of players and if our batting struggles a bit we have the bowling attack to back them at all times,” Inzamam said.

He, however, had a word of caution for his country, saying that there should be no room for complacency. “You can’t take Afghanistan lightly and you have to be as charged up as you would be against say Australia,” Inzamam said.

Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against the Windies on May 31. The Men in Green have not made it to the final since 1999 which was held in England only.

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