By Ali Ahmed Sabir Kayani
India-Pakistan clash is round the corner and the world holds its breath – Really? The rivalry had phases when Pakistan dominated India and India bouncing back. However, India has Pakistan under the hammer for so long that it seems eternity when it used to be “fair” and even contest. India has gained “unfair” advantage over Pakistan on the back of their financial might in cricket, consequently, the rivalry is losing its hype. Though, Pakistan remained competitive in some games, in another wise dry spell – losing games from dominant position has been a source of constant heartbreak for Pakistani fans.
But this game gives strange vibes – an intensity of a different level in the background of recent short war – never before both teams have played each other so soon after the wars – remember there was 17 years gap when two teams finally met in 1978 after two wars. So, the extra spice is there for everyone in this game.
Have Pakistan finally decoded the T20 mantra? a format they once bossed. Hessen’s bits and pieces impact players are trying to be large sum of its small parts but where Pakistan stands will be revealed in today’s game. India’s financial power is well reflected in the media with the kind of coverage the team attracts. The analyses show Pakistan outright underdog in this contest and who will deny this given last ten years record-at least. This game, however, is a unique one as it will provide an opportunity for new heroes to enter into folklore of India-Pakistan cricket glory. Remember, the icebreaker series in 1978 created new heroes-Zaheer, Imran & Miandad from Pakistan and Gavaskar, Kapil Dev & Jimmy Amarnath from India to name a few. The current game will feature a whole new generation of talent from both sides. New India has already proved themselves in an epic series against England concluded just recently while Pakistan has just begun adopting the modern game and this match may well be the moment of truth for them.
With ghosts of Kohli and Rohit gone, can Pakistan turn it around in the beginning of this new era, will be on everyone’s mind especially Pakistani minds. The team appears settled for the time, though, wrist spin worries are still there. The biggest question for Pakistan will be should Harris Rauf play or not? Yesterday’s Sri Lanka-Bangladesh match is a reminder that extreme pace can make the difference. Harris off late has leaked runs in abundance yet his pace makes it a compelling case for Pakistan to take a chance with him. Faheem Ashraf has performed well in the lead up matches to Asia cup but he is a stock not shock bowler and will be targeted by India. Let’s gamble with Harris and let’s hope the small steps we have taken in reinventing our game pay off – good luck Pakistan-let’s break this.
The writer is a former Additional Inspector General of Police.
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