The cricket world is yet to witness the biggest cricket tournament of the year, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, commencing on October 5, which will be hosted by India. With all the preparations in full swing, India is set to host the tournament after 12 years. As the India vs. Australia ODI series concludes on September 27th, different teams are gearing themselves for travel to India.Â
Arch-rivals Pakistan will be travelling to India on September 27 itself. This time, the Men in Green seem to have fewer chances in their pursuit of winning the World Cup as the team lacks their key bowlers. As the team was leaving for India via Dubai, Pakistan’s speedster Haris Rauf had to say something about the team facing India.
It’s not a war: Haris Rauf
On being questioned about the lack of aggression against India in a press conference held in Pakistan, Haris Rauf snapped at a journalist by saying, “Why should I go and fight with Indians?” It is cricket, not war.” The question was raised while keeping in mind the much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The right-arm pacer has been off the field lately due to a shoulder injury he faced during the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup against India. Due to this niggle, his fitness level was affected, leading him not to play any other group stage matches after that.
Chances of playing in the World Cup
Babar’s men are all set for their first match against the Netherlands, premiering on October 6. In the press conference, when asked about any improvement in his fitness level, Rauf said that it has improved largely. He asserted, “Playing in any tournament for your country is a big deal. My fitness is better than before. We have confidence in ourselves as a team. The team management will decide whether to give me the new ball or the old ball. I have no specific goal set for the World Cup. “More emphasis is on team performance than individual performance.”
Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (WC), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim.
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