Former Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq believes India are favourites to win the 2016 World T20 encounter between the arch-rivals Pakistan and India, set to take place in Dharamsala.
Pakistan’s record against India in world events is dismal to say the least. India hold a 6-0 advantage in the 50-over format and 4-0 in the T20 version against Pakistan.
“Pakistan have entered every World Cup hoping to break that jinx,” said Inzamam. “Both teams are good and the competition will be tough. But India holds the edge as they haven’t lost to Pakistan in a World Cup.”
The 45-year-old, who scored 8,830 runs in 120 Tests and 11,739 runs in 378 ODIs for Pakistan, further said that Pakistan and India should play bilateral cricket as people from both countries enjoy the clashes.
“I remember when the Indian team toured Pakistan some 15 years ago; I was the captain at that time,” said Inzamam. “Those who travelled from India to Pakistan were received with a warm welcome, and whichever hotel they stayed in or ate at, people didn’t take money from them.”
The right-handed batsman further added that a similar welcome was reciprocated when the roles were reversed. “Then when we toured India and the Pakistani fans that travelled there received a similar treatment,” he said. “So you can see there is so much love between the people. If the two countries don’t play, then it’s a loss for cricket as well as for both the countries.”
Inzamam also felt that if a clash in the World T20 was possible despite the tensions, then so was a bilateral series. “Now Pakistan will be touring India for the T20 World Cup. I believe if that can happen then a series can also be played.”
When asked about Mohammad Amir’s inclusion in the national camp following a spot-fixing ban, Inzamam said: “It’s a very good thing to happen to Pakistan cricket. He did well in the Bangladesh Premier League and if he can come up with similar performances for the Pakistan team in the future, it will be great.”
Meanwhile, as Afghanistan head coach, Inzamam welcomed the appointment of former Indian medium-pacer Manoj Prabhakar as the new bowling coach.
“Prabhakar will be an asset to the team,” said Inzamam. “He’s an old hand and was a classy and shrewd player of his time. I’m sure his inputs will be very valuable; the Afghanistan bowlers will learn a lot from him on how to play in Indian conditions.”
