Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez reckons India has not been able to handle the pressure in major ICC events. Despite being favorite in the last few big events, India has failed to go all the way in the tournaments.
Recently, India was obliterated by England in the semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2022 by 10 wickets. In fact, the Men in Blue had last won a major trophy back in 2013 when MS Dhoni led the team to glory in the Champions Trophy.
Since then India has made it to the final of the 2014 T20 WC, the semifinal of the 2015 WC, the semifinal of the 2016 T20 WC, the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy, the semifinal of the 2019 WC, and the final of the World Test Championship 2021 but haven’t been able to cross the final hurdles.
Speaking to Sports Tak, Mohammad Hafeez said, “It’s difficult to describe the pressure of playing in ICC knockout matches. India has not been able to handle that pressure in major events. They have lost crunch matches, against England they lost the semi-final. In 2017, in the Champions Trophy final, they lost.”
“This is a pinching point as far as India is concerned. India now has a point to prove to the world. They should come and perform well in ICC major events.”
On the other hand, Mohammad Hafeez also shed light on Pakistan’s chances in the ODI World Cup, which will take place in India later in the year.
“Pakistan also will have its chances. They have one of the most versatile and lethal bowling attacks in the world. If you look at the fast bowlers, they are match-winners.
“If you look at Shaheen Afridi, if he is fit and firing, the entire world wants to watch him in action. When you talk about spin-bowling, there are Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, and Mohammad Nawaz.”
Hafeez added: “Pakistan playing in India have to also deal with pressure. Playing in India will mean a lot of pressure. A lot will depend on how much momentum Pakistan takes into the World Cup and how the dressing room atmosphere is created to deal with pressure.”
Pakistan have hosting rights for the Asia Cup but BCCI has shown its disagreement to travel there. As a result, PCB has threatened to boycott the World Cup, which will be hosted by India.
