Imran’s message to team: Abandon fear of losing

Published February 14, 2015
Former captain Imran Khan said the Pakistan team needs to abandon its fear of losing and be determined to win. — 2014 AFP/File
Former captain Imran Khan said the Pakistan team needs to abandon its fear of losing and be determined to win. — 2014 AFP/File

Hours ahead of what is being touted as the most watched match in cricketing history, PTI Chairman Imran Khan said the Pakistan-India showdown on Sunday would be a battle of nerves.

"They should abandon fear of losing…When they step on the ground they need to make up their mind to win,” Imran said during an interview with a private television channel.

"How will I do it? That's what they should think. If one fears losing they will keep making mistakes,” he said.

The former captain said that Pakistan’s performance will depend on batsman as both sides have similar bowlers.

“The best batsman should start first…If Pakistan chases, Misbah should not play beyond number four.

"If you have wickets in hand you can even chase a big score… If the top order can score enough, beating India is possible,” Imran said during the interview.

“They should play two spinners in the match, and if Irfan can bowl on his speed, he can alone make the difference,” Imran Khan said.

When asked about Pakistan's chances of lifting the World Cup, Imran said that "a champion team believes that it can do it...the team needs to raise its performance to a level it hasn't reached so far."

"Sometimes a team during the World Cup plays better than capabilities. My fear is will they be able to manage with their combinations as they have had many changes." the former captain said.

"Lets pray our main players are not injured... In 92 Saeed Anwar and Waqar Younis were injured. If your two main players are injured it is a big setback. Replacing them during World Cup is difficult," Imran said.

He also praised Misbah, stating that he was "stable, experienced and in good form".

"At times a captain in good form can take his team ahead," he stated.

Opinion

Editorial

Energy inflation
Updated 23 May, 2024

Energy inflation

The widening gap between the haves and have-nots is already tearing apart Pakistan’s social fabric.
Culture of violence
23 May, 2024

Culture of violence

WHILE political differences are part of the democratic process, there can be no justification for such disagreements...
Flooding threats
23 May, 2024

Flooding threats

WITH temperatures in GB and KP forecasted to be four to six degrees higher than normal this week, the threat of...
Bulldozed bill
Updated 22 May, 2024

Bulldozed bill

Where once the party was championing the people and their voices, it is now devising new means to silence them.
Out of the abyss
22 May, 2024

Out of the abyss

ENFORCED disappearances remain a persistent blight on fundamental human rights in the country. Recent exchanges...
Holding Israel accountable
22 May, 2024

Holding Israel accountable

ALTHOUGH the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor wants arrest warrants to be issued for Israel’s prime...