(Disclaimer: this is a work of fiction. Learn to take a joke; you’ll live longer.)
DUBLIN: Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed on Wednesday said it is a privilege for him and his side to be part of a historic debut Test match for Ireland which kicked off in Dublin from Friday, saying that it’s one of the rare occasions when one of the sides has all to lose and nothing to gain.
“All of us are really looking forward to it. Ireland, who have a great tradition of cricket, also happen to have a tradition of beating us when they aren’t expected to,” Sarfraz said while addressing a press conference.
“This is what makes this situation – where Pakistan have it all to lose and Ireland have all to gain – particularly tricky for us.
Sarfraz also highlighted that Ireland feature prominently in ODI and T20 upsets.
“I am confident that in due course they will also make their mark in the Test upsets,” added the Pakistan captain. “I just hope that the due course doesn’t take place this week.”
Further substantiating his ‘all to lose and nothing to gain’ Sarfraz said Pakistan will only gain one point in the ICC rankings if they win and reach 87 points, while a draw will see them slip to 84 and a loss to 81 points.
“I really hope this is worth making Ireland tour Pakistan,” he concluded.