The National Football League (NFL) championship game held annually in the United States is known as the “Super Bowl” of football. Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi, who is now the ambassador for the T20 World Cup 2024, has compared the match between India and Pakistan to that event. According to a column for ICC:
Recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cups have demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to challenge anyone.
Even though they haven’t been consistent in 2024, I think they have what it takes to succeed in the USA and the West Indies. They have advanced to one semifinal and one final in the previous two ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, demonstrating the squad’s unquestionable potential.
The Caribbean’s climate will undoubtedly be ideal for them. The team is full of potential, especially in the bowling attack, which is where they should excel. Their fast bowlers are on par with any team in the world, and they have plenty of depth.
The importance of that class exceeds that of recent form. In T20 cricket, we have often seen that the game’s terrain can shift over the course of a few overs. The selectors’ practice of examining young people and providing them with a platform to display their skills is partially to blame for the findings’ uneven distribution.
Deciding which combination would work best for the World Cup was crucial. They should aim for the powerplay once they get there and maintain a high strike rate before putting on more pressure until the 14th over. From then on, it will all come down to the finish.
Despite the season’s outcomes, the group must remain optimistic and every player’s job must be crystal clear. Working together can make all the difference in realising the ideal.
The tournament’s return to the Caribbean has me incredibly thrilled. When the West Indies last hosted in 2010, I captained Pakistan, and I have wonderful memories from that competition.
The pitches’ ability to assist bowlers as well as batters appealed to me as an all-rounder, but it will be up to the players to adjust fast. Batters must choose their shots carefully, while bowlers must establish their line and length.
For American cricket, this is also a major tournament. Playing in the USA is usually a lot of fun for me; for those who haven’t been, the conditions are comparable to those in the West Indies.
Individuals in the US will adore the help. That area has a fantastic expat community that is passionate about cricket. And regardless of the sport—baseball, basketball, or American football—Americans are ardent fans. In the next few years, I firmly believe that cricket will become popular there, which is fantastic news for aspiring players.
If Americans are new to the competition, they should be aware that Pakistan vs. India is comparable to our Super Bowl.
I used to adore playing India, and I think the rivalry is the greatest in sports history. The Indian supporters showed me a lot of love and respect during those games, which is really meaningful to both sides.
Also read: Imad Wasim will miss the USA match because to a side strain in the 2024 T20 World Cup
It comes down to managing the occasion’s pressure when playing India. Both clubs have plenty of skill; all they need to do is perform on game day.
Both in that game and the competition as a whole, that will be the case. The winning team is the one that can maintain composure. Teams are able to bat so deep these days, and T20 cricket is so unpredictable. To win a game, you can have a hitter bat eighth and smash the ball at a 150 strike rate.
It’s difficult to choose a favourite, but hopefully it will be Pakistan this time.
India
