LAHORE: One of the heroes of the 1992 World Cup winning team and former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has advised Pakistan not to take pressure against India during their first match of the World Cup, which is going to begin in Australia and New Zealand next month.

“Though we could not defeat India in all previous editions of the World Cup, I would still advise my players not to think about it and face Indians with positive mind,” Inzamam told reporters while addressing an inauguration ceremony of the Umeed-e-Jawan Inzamam-ul-Haq Cricket Academy, which is being set up in his native city of Multan.

“I want my side to play their natural game and hopefully they can break the jinx,” he added.

Inzamam said the Pakistan squad was balanced as it was a mixture of experienced and junior players and added that the green-shirts had previously excelled in the conditions of Australia and New Zealand.

He also advised players not to come under pressure even if they lose a match as the situation could change at any time in the World Cup.

“We were once at the bottom in the 1992 Cup but when we started performing, God opened the doors of success for us and we ultimately won,” Inzamam said.

He said all members of the current Pakistan team had a chance of becoming a hero by winning the title as it would serve them well in future.

About the academy, Inzamam said it would be set up in Multan in the first phase and later in other adjoining towns of the city.

He said the players would also be helped to complete their academic education along with cricket.

A good number of members of the Pakistan’s World Cup squad including head coach Waqar Younis, spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed, Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, besides discarded wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal attended the ceremony.

LCCA president Khawaja Nadeem was also present.

Published in Dawn January 18th , 2015

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