Pakistan-India cricket matches evoke strong emotions, but for Pakistan’s players, it’s just another professional opportunity. Coach Aqib Javed emphasizes that while there is external hype, the players should focus purely on the game. After their opening loss to New Zealand, it’s crucial for Pakistan to secure points. Although the match takes place in Dubai where India is based, Javed dismisses suggestions of a home advantage for India, noting that Pakistani players are familiar with the conditions from playing in local leagues. The pitch will likely play slower, so adapting to the conditions will be essential for success.
The matches between Pakistan and India will always ignite passions. For the players from Pakistan, however, this represents yet another chance to apply the cricketing skills they’ve honed as professionals.
“For the cricketers, this is a profession,” Javed remarked. “It is undoubtedly an honour for them. However, fundamentally, it is a job. You give your best efforts, and sometimes you face defeat as well. It’s just a match… one side will triumph, and one will falter. What difference does it make? Why the excessive pressure? Each game is unique.”
“In a contest between Pakistan and India, the energy remains elevated. This is the appeal of this rivalry. What does the crowd do? When you perform well, they cheer and applaud. Conversely, if you underperform, whether it’s India or Pakistan, the home crowd will turn against you. As a player, it’s essential not to dwell on the crowd’s reaction. We never did, and these players shouldn’t either. What should your focus be? The ball and the bat – that’s all.”
This match also carries extra significance, as Pakistan, despite being the official hosts, has had to travel to Dubai, where India has established their base and already played a match. There are claims suggesting that India holds an advantage akin to a home field. However, Javed dismissed those claims.
Nearly all of Pakistan’s home matches were contested in the UAE from 2009 to 2019.
“There’s no advantage [for India] whatsoever, because when you examine all the Pakistani players, they have been competing in leagues here. The PSL has taken place in this region. Hence, there’s really no advantage or disadvantage.”
The pitch conditions in Dubai are anticipated to be slower and lower than those in Pakistan, especially since the ILT20 has been conducted here over the last six weeks. Few of the wickets on the square are fresh.
“We also need to analyze the pitch and the arena here,” Javed added. “Are they comparable to what we have in Pakistan, or are they distinct? Our gameplay will be adjusted according to the pitches, conditions, and the opposing team.”