Champions Trophy: ‘Not taking pressure for India clash’

Published June 2, 2017
Sarfaraz Ahmed is Pakistan's new ODI captain — File
Sarfaraz Ahmed is Pakistan's new ODI captain — File

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed is making sure his players feel no pressure ahead of their high-profile clash against arch-rivals India in the ICC Champions Trophy in Birmingham on Sunday.

“We are trying to stay relaxed and not take pressure. It is important to be relaxed and confident before every big game, to keep the nerves in check,” Sarfraz said while speaking to a private news channel.

When asked what bowling combination he plans to unleash against India, Sarfraz said the decision would be made after reading the pitch on the match day (June 4).

“It depends on how the pitch looks before the game. We will unleash our best pace attack, maybe three or four fast bowlers if needed, or a combination of spin and pace,” the 30-year-old wicket-keeper/batsman said.

He vowed the team would give their best in every game of the elite eight-nation Champions Trophy.

“You will see us playing to the best of our capabilities. You will see a fighting team,” Sarfraz said. “We will do our best to make our country proud.”

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2017

Opinion

Editorial

A new deal
Updated 16 Jun, 2026

A new deal

AFTER three and a half months of war between US-Israel and Iran and an acrimonious temporary ceasefire, a genuine...
Charter of economy
16 Jun, 2026

Charter of economy

NO one expected the PTI to accept the government’s invitation to sign a charter of economy; just as few expected...
Hostage seamen
16 Jun, 2026

Hostage seamen

SOME 50 days on, 11 Pakistani nationals are still in Somali pirates’ captivity. Their appeals to the Pakistani and...
Climate choices
Updated 15 Jun, 2026

Climate choices

The country is confronting increasingly volatile weather patterns with consequences for agriculture, infrastructure, public health and economic planning.
Brief opening
15 Jun, 2026

Brief opening

WE have been here before. Throughout the weekend, there was great anticipation that a tentative framework for peace...
Environmental disaster
15 Jun, 2026

Environmental disaster

IT was a heartbreaking sight. A recent news report in these pages carried a picture of a sea turtle lying half ...