Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram played down the importance of history and head-to-head records between India and Pakistan at the World Cup, saying it will hardly matter to players from both sides. Speaking at Salaam Cricket 2021 in Dubai, Wasim Akram said it’s only the job of a statistician to keep numbers in mind but players will be focused on the job in hand when they step out on the field in what always promises to be a hugely anticipated contest between the arch-rivals.
Akram’s comments came ahead of India’s T20 World Cup 2021 opener against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Having won both their warm-up matches, India will look to extend their perfect record against Pakistan in the showpiece event.
India and Pakistan last played bilateral cricket in 2012 but their meetings in ICC tournaments have garnered huge interest. India’s record against Pakistan in the World Cups has become a talking point ahead of each of their meetings in showpiece events.
India have a 7-0 record against Pakistan in 50-over World Cups and a 5-0 record in the T20 World Cups. However, Akram highlighted that Pakistan have a better record against India in overall fixtures, especially in ODIs and Tests.
“I have done my homework. Yes, at the World Cups, we haven’t beaten India but we have won more matches when we take into account the overall record. But yeah, I have played 5 World Cups but we haven’t beaten India yet,” Akram said.
“But when you head into a World Cup, you don’t note these things. That’s the job of a statistician. But as a player, it doesn’t bother me or any Pakistan or Indian player as well.
“In the World Cups, every match matters. Every team is there to win the World Cup. Yes, the India-Pakistan game is very crucial. It’s the biggest game of the tournament. Players are feeling a bit of pressure. But once the game starts, you get on with the game and you forget everything else. You start thinking about how to focus on the game,” he added.
