'Don't Think IND vs PAK Is...': Team Director Mickey Arthur Underplays

image-ljqpqtsjIndia and Pakistan will clash on October 15 in CWC 2023 [Source: Twitter]

One of the highly-anticipated cricket matches between India and Pakistan will take place on October 15 at The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2023. The CWC 2023 gets underway on October 5 and will conclude on November 19, with ten nations eying the coveted title.

The hype around India and Pakistan match is already reaching a high, and Pakistan Team Director and Head Coach Mickey Arthur believes that the encounter between arch-rivals is not 'the be-all' of the World Cup.

Pakistan kicks off their CWC campaign on October 6, when they take on Qualifier 1 at Hyderabad.  Speaking on 'Cricket Baaz' on the YouTube channel, Arthur stated that there is more to the WC than just one match. 


Here's what Arthur said

"I don’t think Pakistan vs India is the be-all of the World Cup. From a fan’s perspective, from the viewpoint of the emotions and relations between the two countries, one can understand the interest it generates and the emotions that go with it. But from a cricket point of view, I think it will be about doing well against all teams if you want to win the World Cup."

Arthur, who coached Pakistan earlier between 2016 and 2019, explained that India will be under pressure given the World Cup is taking place in their backyard. The head coach further shed light on PCB's request to swap WC matches. 

"Yes, we had a discussion on it but it was just a discussion. It was not as if our entire plans hinged on not playing Afghanistan in Chennai. Look, any team would want to play Afghanistan at some other venue."

Pakistan's immediate international will be a two-Test series in Sri Lanka, commencing July 16.