During an ICC event to announce the Cricket World Cup schedule, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag expressed his readiness for a battle with former Pakistani seamer Shoaib Akhtar, but this time on social media during the India-Pakistan World Cup match on October 15. Sehwag emphasized that the India-Pakistan rivalry captures the attention of the entire world and remains a significant point of focus for everyone.
Highlighting India’s impeccable record against Pakistan in World Cup matches, Sehwag stated, “The record says that India haven’t lost a World Cup game to Pakistan. We are ahead 7-0, out of which we have chased just once. Otherwise, each time India have batted first and put up a match-winning total. I’m not sure what will happen that day (October 15), but the team that handles pressure well will win.”
Sehwag acknowledged that Pakistan carries a burden as they haven’t secured a victory against India. He noted the shift in India’s ability to handle pressure, which has contributed to their success against Pakistan. While players may claim they don’t feel pressure, Sehwag affirmed that emotions run high in an India-Pakistan game.
The former opener urged the Indian team to win the World Cup for Virat Kohli, as it might be his last global event, drawing parallels to the 2011 World Cup victory for Sachin Tendulkar. Sehwag emphasized Kohli’s significance, stating, “Virat Kohli is now in Sachin Tendulkar’s shoes… Everybody is looking to win this World Cup for Virat Kohli.”
Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023 was also revealed:
- October 6: vs Qualifier 1 in Hyderabad
- October 12: vs Qualifier 2 in Hyderabad
- October 15: vs India in Ahmedabad
- October 20: vs Australia in Bengaluru
- October 23: vs Afghanistan in Chennai
- October 27: vs South Africa in Chennai
- October 31: vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
- November 4: vs New Zealand in Bengaluru (Day match)
- November 12: vs England in Kolkata
As the much-anticipated World Cup approaches, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the intense clashes and rivalries that will unfold on the field.
