Karachi, August 23: Fast bowler Umar Gul has said that Pakistan are desperate to beat India for the first time in an ICC event when they clash in the Champions Trophy. Pakistan are grouped with Australia, West Indies and India, and the two teams face off on September 26 in Centurion.
“While every match will be important, the game against India, as always, will be special for both the sides,” Gul said. “No rivalry can match the India-Pakistan rivalry and I think the match will be something billions of people all over the world will be waiting for.
“For us, the match is also important for the simple fact that we haven’t beaten them in an ICC event and we’re desperate to break that sequence.”
Gul said that there will be added pressure on Pakistan due to increased expectations of fans after victory in the World Twenty20.
“Although it is a different format, it is always good to go in as a champion side because it gives you that extra confidence which is vital in big tournaments,” he said. “However, our victory in England has raised the bar of expectations and our supporters want us to win everything. That puts us under more pressure.”
Pakistan have included the promising Umar Akmal in the squad and the tournament also marks the comeback of fast bowler Mohammad Asif. Gul said the inclusion of several experienced players, who are back after spells with the unofficial ICL, added balance to the side.
“I believe we have an excellent team for one-day cricket and it is the combination that makes us a quality side,” he said. “The return of Mohammad Yousuf and Rana Naved has provided further impetus to the side which is bubbling with confidence after its victory in the ICC World Twenty20 in England in June.”
Gul said he was looking forward to leading Pakistan’s bowling attack. “I’m ready to take the spearhead’s role,” he said, “and the requirement of that role is to try to come up to expectations whenever the ball is tossed at you.
“There’s no greater feeling than to contribute in the success of your side. After the victory in England, the side is hungry for more successes and I’m desperate to contribute more to those successes.”
—–Agencies