For Shoaib Akhtar, an India-Pakistan faceoff is bigger than the World Cup
© AFP
India and Pakistan, two of the fiercest rivals in the history of cricket, have locked horns in numerous memorable battles. For fans in the sub-continent, no encounter is bigger than an India-Pakistan clash. Shoaib Akhtar, the former mercurial Pakistan pacer, says it holds far more importance than a World Cup itself.
"For many, it's bigger than World Cup. It completely locks out 1.3 billion people. The tension is unbearable and the players' effort level doubles," Akhtar said in a cricket conclave in New Delhi on Monday.
Five epic battles between these two fiercely-competing teams have come in the high-octane pressure of the World Cup, with India dominating their arch-rivals with a 5-0 win record. Akhtar hoped that jinx would soon be broken.
"We could never beat India in World Cup but, God willing, that would soon happen," Akhtar said.
Harbhajan Singh, the feisty Indian spinner who wears his heart on his sleeve, spoke about the dire consequences of losing a match to Pakistan.
"A defeat against Pakistan means media would roast us and fans would pelt stones at our house," Harbhajan said.
Harbhajan may have missed the cut for the World Cup this year but was the star for India in the high-tension game against Pakistan in the semis of World Cup 2011 in Mohali.
It was Harbhajan's crucial strike to remove Umar Akmal that turned the game in India's favour. Pakistan, chasing 261, collapsed after Akmal's departure to give India a 29-run win.
But the Indian hero too, had his moments of nervousness before the crucial fixture.
"The dressing room atmosphere is always tense. Much before the dressing room, you think about it in your hotel room. Before World Cup 2011 semifinal match in Mohali, I could not sleep the night before, thinking what if we lose."
With tickets sold out in 20 minutes, Adelaide will see another round of the epic encounters on February 15. With both teams expected to make it safely to the quarterfinals, more than just result will be at stake. India and Pakistan will play for pride, as always.
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