One of the reasons why the sports industry is as prominent as it is today is because of its rivalries. However, the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry takes the spot as one of the most bitter of all of them. Both teams are often referred to as the El Clásico of cricket, boasting intriguing gameplay.
Although cricket is not as popular as other sports, such as football, India and Pakistan are known for their passionate fans. Fans are tuning in for every tournament to watch their favourite players dominating the field.
For instance, this year, both countries have their reservations about which one will advance to the finals and win the 2024 Asia Cup. Mohammad Rizwan, the Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter, said that the team that can handle pressure better than its opponent will likely win.
Rizwan also said that both India and Pakistan, respectively, have good teams. With strengths and weaknesses on both sides, both teams will undergo immense pressure as the world eagerly watches their performance.
Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain and BCCI chief, also made the same statement. In his words, Ganguly found it hard to choose a particular favourite due to the sheer prowess of both Indian and Pakistani teams. However, Ganguly was impressed with the return of Axar Patel to the Indian squad. By adding Patel to the side, the Indian team will gain a better chance to bat and have him as a spin bowling option.
At the same time, seasoned cricketers from India have voiced their insights on whether India will win the 2024 Asia Cup. Wasim Akram, the legendary cricketer from Pakistan, delivered a cautionary tale about uncertainty in sports competitions like this.
In the 2022 Asia Cup, Sri Lanka emerged victorious in a shocking twist as India and Pakistan failed to deliver their maximum performance in the finals. Since how uncertain cricket competitions can be, Akram highlighted how, at the end of the day, any team can clinch the victory.
The legendary former Indian cricketer and cricket commentator Sunil Gavaskar also acknowledged that the pressure on the Indian team will be at an all-time high. When interviewed, Gavaskar said that the burden of pressure does not come only from Indians at home but also from Indians everywhere else.
The pressure is so much that Gavaskar advised cricket fans everywhere to be more understanding about the performance of the Indian team when the matches begin. Considering the upcoming results are still up in the air, cricket fans need to keep their fingers crossed.
India and Pakistan in international events this year
In this year’s Asia Cup, the organiser placed India and Pakistan in Group A. During the Cup, six participating countries compete against each other until four countries have managed to enter the Super Four position.
After the 2024 Asia Cup, both countries will participate in the ODI World Cup 2024 in India in October and November. Both countries failed to enter the final in the previous World Cup, and England emerged as the winner.
As more matches between India and Pakistan come, fans are bracing to make hefty bets on their favourite cricketers. Visit sportsbet.io/sports/cricket/inplay and start placing bets on your cherished teams!