If India makes it to the final with us, it would be a great thing: Saqlain Mushtaq

Pakistan’s interim head coach Saqlain Mushtaq has stated that he would be extremely happy if the nation takes on arch-rivals India in the final of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Mushtaq further believes that further meetings between the nations will help improve relations for sure. Pakistan defeated India by 10 wickets in their respective opening encounters of the T20 World Cup, ending the latter’s stranglehold over their arch-rivals in World Cups.

“You have to live up to the requirements”

“When you come with a mindset to become a world champion then you don’t think about the opponent. You rather think whoever comes in, you do what you have to do and want to do. So we are thinking on the same lines day in and day out that whoever is against us in the next stage we will accept it. If you want to become a world champion then you have to live up to the requirements — being tough, being well-prepared, and playing cricket different from the others, and it shows that you are a genuine World Cup winner. If you want to be a world champion then you should be thoroughly [tested] so that the world actually recognises you,” said Saqlain in a virtual press conference.

“If India makes it to the final with us, it would be a great thing because I feel — and this is not because we became big-headed after beating them — but because they are a strong team, everyone considers them a favourite. England and Australia always play tough cricket too. What we have in hand is our process, how we plan, our commitment, how we fight and bounce back and things we can control so we don’t focus on results and the opponent. If India comes in the final, then it would be very good for the ICC, fans around the world and for world cricket — everyone will enjoy it. They are our neighbouring country and playing one more match would only improve our relations,” he added.

“Afghanistan just go and execute the plan”

Mushtaq was full of praise for Afghanistan, hailing them for their spin attack as well as fearless batting in every scenario whatsover.

“I’ve been hearing about them, that they are actually a key player for Afghanistan,” he said of the spinners.

“They’ve been doing really well in different leagues and they are quite confident to do their business on their day. They are very good but obviously we should play and we should execute our plan with the clarity of the mind. It’s a strong unit. We can’t really say that it’s very easy and you will roll over them. It’s not like that. They have a wonderful bowling attack, especially the spinners. When they bat, they just play, the way they feel it, what’s in their heart, what they think. They just go and execute the plan. They just play a sort of fearless cricket and I think that kind of team can be dangerous,” added Mushtaq.