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India and Pakistan are all set to meet in their much-anticipated Champions Trophy Group A clash in Dubai on Sunday, February 23.
‘I Want Pakistan To Win’: Former India Pacer’s Strange Wish Ahead Of Mega Champions Trophy Clash (Picture credit: AP)
Former India medium-pacer Atul Wassan has said that he wants Pakistan to win the upcoming Champions Trophy clash against India, to ensure thrill and interest remain in the tournament.
India and Pakistan will face each other for probably the only time in the ongoing ICC event and the former are firm favourites in the encounter, riding on their recent form in the 50-over format.
While most cricketers and experts have predicted that India will end up as winners in the contest, Wassan’s latest comment is bound to take everyone by surprise.
“I want Pakistan to win because it will be fun in the tournament. Because if you don’t let Pakistan win, then what will you do? If Pakistan plays well and wins, then it becomes a contest,” Wassan told ANI.
“It’s like Amitabh Bachchan, if he keeps punching the enemies nonstop, there’s no fun in watching it. I hope Pakistan makes a comeback; it will be good for the tournament,” Wassan added.
The former Indian cricketer, who played four Tests and nine ODIs in an international career that lasted less than a year, said that the balance of power is now one-sided in the India vs Pakistan rivalry.
“Until Pakistan improves its cricket, there’s no excitement in watching India vs Pakistan games. When I played in the ’90s, Pakistan had so many great players, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Saeed Anwar,” Wassan said.
“Whatever happened in Pakistan affected their cricket and they suffered because of it. Meanwhile, India have only grown stronger. Since the 2000s, we have dominated them,” Wassan added.
India’s last two encounters against Pakistan, in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, were won by them. But Pakistan have a better record against India in the Champions Trophy. Pakistan have won three of their five meetings in the marquee event.
All eyes will be on Pakistan’s bowling attack, which, despite operating at full strength and home conditions, couldn’t deter the New Zealand batters from putting up a 300+ total.
A loss to India will mean Pakistan’s defence of the Champions Trophy ends in the group stage.
