Star All-rounder Shadab Khan wants Pakistan to concentrate on winning the 2023 ODI World Cup title rather than only beating their arch-rivals India in their home. Men in Green will take on India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15. India and Pakistan play against each other only in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup following the suspension of bilateral ties.
The India-Pakistan games in cricket are one of the most anticipated matches in the cricket team across any format of the game, as it offers many memories for fans worldwide. The rivalry between the neighbouring nations has come a long way as it carries a lot of emotions on and off the field between the citizens of both countries.
Speaking to Cricket Pakistan, Shadab Khan admitted that playing India in the marquee event gives the team joy for the players and feels that the Indian team will be well-backed by the home supporters in Ahmedabad and believes that all the games in the World Cup are important, as they wanted to win the championship on the Indian soil.
“Playing against India comes with a different sense of joy. The pressure overall is also different. Now when we have to go there, it will be their home ground – the crowd will be against us. However, we are going there to play in the World Cup, so we should think about it, and not only about India, because if we win against India and lose the World Cup, then there’s no benefit of it,” Shadab Khan said.
Many believe that Pakistan will start as one of the favourites to lift the ODI World Cup, set to be played in India in October and November, as they have got a formidable team, as they have got excellent batters and bowlers to do well in the Sub Continental conditions.
It’s A Win-Win Because That Is Our Main Aim – Shadab Khan
Shadab Khan believes that even if Pakistan loses against India in the World Cup, he said that Pakistan wants to win the championship in India. The team compromises enough talent in the team to do well in the marquee event.
“In my opinion, even if we lose from India but end up winning the World Cup, it’s a win-win because that is our main aim,” Shadab Khan added
Shadab Khan has been an integral part of Pakistan since he made his debut and his all-around ability gives balance to the Pakistan team. He has been in terrific form for Pakistan over the past few years and will look to contribute to the team’s success in ODI World Cup 2023.