WORLD CUP TROPHY IN CAPITAL: Pakistan ready to take on India, says Sarfaraz

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan are ready to face India at any international stage and the World Cup match would be no exception, claimed team skipper Sarfaraz Ahmad who travelled from Dubai to Islamabad with the trophy on Thursday.

Speaking to the media at a local hotel where the World Cup trophy was showcased, Sarfaraz said Pakistan had never turned their back when it came to playing against India on cricket field.

“We are always ready to play India whether in bilateral series or World Cup. It is India that thinks otherwise. I can’t say anything more on the issue as it can trigger a new debate.”

Pakistan will take on India in the World Cup match on June 16 at Old Trafford, Manchester.

To a question about the fragile Pakistan middle-order, he said he was satisfied with the batting line-up including the middle order. “Babar Azam is spearheading our middle order backed by Harris Sohail, Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik. I would also be there for assistance,” Sarfaraz claimed.

He rated every team competing in the World Cup in high esteem. “All teams are solid and capable of beating anyone. The team that would make the best use of the opportunities has good chances.”

Sarfaraz claimed that Pakistan have better chances of bringing the trophy back home. “Hopefully we would go on to win the World Cup,” he claimed.

The team captain confirmed carrying two to three extra players for the mega event. “Besides the 15-member World Cup squad, we would be carrying a few extra players for the series against England. This would help these players get acclimatize.”

Sarfaraz said he was preparing for the fitness test. “Clearing fitness test is very important for the players’ selection in the team for the World Cup. Whether it is Mohammad Aamir or else. Only those would be there in the team who would show fitness in test.”

Qasim Ali, representative of the Golootlo, said his was the only company that had honours of sponsoring the World Cup. “Golootlo is the only Pakistani company to have sponsored the World Cup in 44 years.”

He said that the trophy would be sent across Pakistan. “It is there for masses as it would travel to all four provinces of the country.”

Majid Bashir, another Golootlo official, also spoke on the occasion.

“The trophy has come from Dubai. From Islamabad, it would travel to Lahore, Karachi and other parts of the country. A grand finale has been arranged in Karachi at the Moin Khan Cricket Academy.”

He specially thanked Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa for bringing peace in the country, enabling all to organise such sports events.

Qasim Ali hoped that Prime Minister Imran Khan would spare time to provide opportunity for photograph with trophy and Sarfaraz.