Debasis Sen, Dubai: Pakistan Coach Saqlain Mushtaq on Thursday said it will be good if India and Pakistan meet again in the final of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 here in UAE. According to Saqlain, if India and Pakistan play in the final, it will be good for the relationships between the two countries.
“If India and Pakistan qualify for the final together then the ICC, and the entire world cricket will have some fun. It will be good for cricket because they are our neighbouring country. If we both play then it will be good for our relationship as well,” said Saqlain during pre-match conference ahead of the game against Afghanistan on Friday.
The cricketers from both countries were seen shaking hands with each other after the match. It presented a great advertisement for brother hood and sportsman spirit between cricketers of both countries.
“Whatever happened in the last match, be it Virat Kohli, Dhoni hugging our players, it was great for world cricket. Keeping aside the India vs Pakistan clash, the best thing, for me, from the match was the it was a win for humanity and love. It’s a game and winning and losing is part of it. Hats off to Babar, Rizwan, Dani, Virat, Dhoni because they have sent a strong message for the entire world and for both the countries. I always say “Mohabbat ki jeet ho, aur nafrat ki haar ho,” said Saqlain.
Despite the comprehensive win against India, Saqlain reckons India are still the favourites to win the title along with England.
“If India qualify for the finals with us then it will be a great thing not because that we have defeated them or we have become big-headed. As I said, if you have to become world champions then all the qualities of your side needs to be checked properly so that the world recognizes that you are a world champions. Pundits all over the world term them (India) as favourites and they are the favourites. England are the 50-over world champions and they also fall in the same category of favourites. Australia have always played tough cricket and whenever they come into a mega event, they come with a different mindset. South Africa are also playing good. So all these teams are good. Winning and losing all depend on God. Result is not in your hand, commitment and process are. How you fight depends on you, how you bounce back depends on you, how you plan depends on you. The things you can control, you should do it. Whichever teams come, we are focusing on playing good cricket.”