Your thoughts on the semifinal.
Both teams are playing well. India have got a good batting line-up and Pakistan have a formidable bowling attack. The fact that both teams are in the semifinals is an indication of their current form.
I think there is little to separate. Everyone knows that Pakistan are a very dangerous team. So, I’m expecting a good contest.
It is said this could be a high-pressure game. Which team is better equipped to handle it?
Both the teams are strong enough to tackle the pressure. Let me tell you, once the players are on the field, they forget everything. They play according to the situation. They know what to do and what not. The players are there to take the pressure. I can’t believe that they cannot take it. But it will be very difficult to predict who’s going to win. The team taking advantage of the opportunities that come their way, will win the game. I want to see good cricket.
You seem to be pitching for Shoaib Akhtar’s selection. Are you serious?
Why not? Shoaib is one of the best bowlers we have. A lot will surely depend on the wicket and fitness. But I know the Mohali wicket used to help the fast bowlers. Shoaib is a proven match-winner. If he is fit, he should be included.
There seem to be worries over his
second spell.
What if he takes four or five wickets in the first spell? Will it not help the team? The second spell argument does not cut ice with me. I cannot say if there is any other reason by sitting here in Pakistan, but I feel he should play that game.
Who among the Indian batsmen could be a worry for Pakistan?
Well, every batsman, I guess. But I prefer not to go into the individuals. I want to see good cricket. I feel Pakistan players are playing good cricket.
How do you rate Sachin Tendulkar’s batting and the possibility of his 100th century?
I’ve said this so many times. He is a great player. People, players and opponents never stop talking about him. But I’m very disappointed to read that someone said Shahid Afridi should apologise for stating that he wants to stop Tendulkar from scoring his 100th century. Why? No team ever wants their opponent to score a century against them. They are there to stop it. I think he is right. Afridi should do everything to stop the century. Why are people upset about it? I’m really surprised.
So, who will be the finalists?
Well, out of the four teams, three are Asians. Which means, at least one Asian team will be there in the final. I want that Asian team to win it. This is our World Cup. It is allotted to Asia and I want an Asian team to win it.
Will you be coming for the final?
If Pakistan reach the final, I will definitely be there in Mumbai. The time is too short at the moment. I will have to consult my board as well. I understand there are problems of accommodation for the matches. There are not too many tickets available for these matches. But more than this, I want the countries to carry on with the game. The teams should start playing more frequently. It is a very good gesture by the prime minister of India to invite the Pakistan PM. I’m sure the cricket ties will blossom from here on. Cricket should not be held hostage by the political and diplomatic differences. We should not look at this game as a war but as sport and cricket. Cricket has always helped in the process of peace between the countries. The relations should never be spoiled. I’m for good relations between the teams, countries and people. If we can play in the World Cup, why not play in bilateral games? Sportsmen should not be bothered about the politics. I believe sports can bring the people together.
Finally, will it be India or Pakistan on Wednesday?
Unfortunately, I wanted India and Pakistan in the final. That is the problem. But you may like it or not, as a Pakistani, I want my team to go into the final. It is happening in India, so people may have a different opinion.
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