Karachi: Captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Sarfaraz Ahmed has said that his team will approach every match of the upcoming World Cup like it they do against arch rivals India.
In an interview to a television channel, the wicketkeeper-batsman was expectedly asked about the June 16 match against India. “The match against India is very important in many ways but it is only one game. We need to play all our remaining matches in the tournament like we are playing against India,” Sarfaraz stated.
The Pakistan squad is presently camping in Kent county where a camp is on. They will also play a practice game, April 27. They will also play a T20 international and take part in a five-match ODI series against hosts England before the World Cup beginning May 30.
All eyes are on how reserve players Muhammad Aamir and batsman Asif Ali perform against England. There is also lot of interest around the performances of teenaged fast bowler Muhammad Hasnain who has been named in the World Cup squad.
Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq has said that if Aamir and Asif produce impressive performances against England they could be considered for the World Cup as changes can be made in the 15-member squad until May 23.
Sarfaraz said that he was under no pressure as captain before the mega-event. “Where I bat we will decide as the matches go but there is complete unanimity between me and Mickey Arthur and the selection committee over the players selected,” he said when asked if he had been consulted in the finalisation of the squad.
Sarfaraz said his team had the talent and depth to surprise any opponent but it was important for players to gain momentum and maintain it in the tournament as every side would have to play nine games to qualify for the knockout stage.
Sarfaraz also made it clear he was excited about playing in the World Cup as a captain and player. “Definitely, it is a great feeling to lead Pakistan in a tournament as big as the World Cup,” he said.