KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan is confident the national side will have an edge over their opponents during next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup thanks to the format of the tournament.

Just like the 1992 edition, which was won by Pakistan, the 10 participating sides square off against each other in a league round with the top four advancing to the semi-finals.

“The format is similar to that of 1992 and that suits us,” Moin, who kept wickets for Pakistan during their sole World Cup triumph, said while addressing a press conference after the World Cup trophy was displayed here at the National Stadium as part of its global Trophy Tour.

“At the ‘92 World Cup, we were struggling after the first few matches, but the format helped us to come back and eventually win it,” he added.

Moin also believes that the high number of Pakistani expatriates in the United Kingdom will be an advantage for the national side.

“The support always helps,” said the 47-year-old. “The Champions Trophy victory last year will also serve as a confidence booster for Pakistan at the World Cup.”

Despite a disastrous campaign at the recently concluded Asia Cup, Moin said that the Pakistan team management should retain Sarfraz Ahmed as the captain.

“I’m the only one who has backed Sarfraz despite the poor run at the Asia Cup,” he said. “Such things can happen to good teams but these experiences can also be used as a determination to make a strong comeback.”

Moin believed the selection committee will not make big changes to the team before the World Cup and that there must be a decent number of players who already know they are going to play at the cricketing calendar’s masterpiece.

Moin’s words must have added to the air of positivity the ICC World Cup trophy has brought along with it to Pakistan during it’s tour — but the arrangements at the Karachi venue seemed disrespectful to the stature of the prize that was put on display.

A large number of media persons were crammed into the auditorium built in the National Cricket Academy premises outside the main ground.

The proceedings were scheduled to start at 11.00am. However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials were seen setting up the backdrop and some furniture after that very time on an under-sized stage for such an event.

For the ICC marketing and promotions officer Shomeresh Shetty, however, “the PCB has been proactive during the tour”.

The trophy was later displayed at the Mohatta Palace and the Frere Hall. It will stay in the metropolis till October 13, when it will be displayed at the Dolmen Mall, Clifton. Its next stop is Bangladesh.

Before Karachi, cricket’s most prestigious prize toured Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2018