Is Pakistan Trying to Avoid Playing in India?

[z2_daredevil]

COLOMBO: In their bid to avoid intimidating Indian crowds in Ahmedabad and Mohali, venues of the quarterfinal and semifinal matches, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi appealed to his teammates to give their best so that they top Group A and play their knock-out World Cup matches in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan, champions in 1992, have made a good start in the tournament with two comprehensive wins against Kenya and tournament favourites Sri Lanka.

Afridi wants his team to carry on their winning run as it will give them the much-needed confidence for the knock-out rounds. He also knows that it is also important for them to avoid playing in India before the final in Mumbai.

"I want to play in India, but not before the final," he said. "The biggest reward for us if we topped our group is that we will get to play our quarterfinals here or in Dhaka. It is good for us either way. I want to play our quarterfinal in Sri Lanka or Bangladesh because we are completely used to the conditions and in neutral games we would even get the crowd support. But in India it is going to be a different story."

Afridi, who turned 31st here Tuesday, said that in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Pakistan will have the 'home advantage' as they won't be pitted against the home team.

Afridi said his boys were working really hard to give their best in the tournament.

"The players are training with a lot of intensity," he said. "It's very important for us that we do well in the World Cup and win it for our country."

Pakistan lost to India in the quarterfinal of the 1996 World Cup which was played in a highly charged atmosphere in Bangalore.

Pakistan last toured India in 2007-08, before bilateral relations touched an all time low after the 26/11 attack on Mumbai by Pakistani terrorists.

Extremist groups in India have even threatened to disrupt World Cup matches involving Pakistan.

Pakistan were slated to play all their matches at home, but after they were stripped of their status as co-hosts, the International Cricket Council (ICC) assigned their group matches to Sri Lanka to avoid any possible backlash in India.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/s...ow/7611164.cms

Pakistan would want to top their group cuz we would thn play either bangladesh/westindies or ireland. Now how do we explain that to this retarded writer.

[srh]

Even if Pakistan tops the Group A, what is the guarantee that India will not be No. 4 in Group B?

[adi_6294]

This is totally silly...You want to win matches just to avoid playing in india..totally rubbish thoughts....
What will happen if pak will reach the finals, then what would they do?

[Fireworks11]

He's right.

The atmosphere would be tarnished should Pakistan visit India before the Final.

[KSaeed]

This is an excellent example of a story being completely distorted- pretty common though in the subcontinent to tell the readers what they'd like to hear

[cricfan967]

Originally Posted by srh Even if Pakistan tops the Group A, what is the guarantee that India will not be No. 4 in Group B?

India and England would be 2nd and 3rd.
Ireland/West indies/Bangladesh will take fourth.
South Africa will take first.

[strongman123]

Yeah, I agree with Afridi's views. If they are pitted against India in the QF, there is going to be a lot of pressure on Pakistan. Its best if Pakistan plays QF and SF outside of India.

[KingKhanWC]

If India play Pakistan, it doesn't matter where Pak finish, they will have to travel to India.

[Proud To Be A Pakistani]

well the source is crap & misleading of what afridi have actually said .... the thing is away from cricket things haven't been so well btw two countries ... .that will take its toll .. so he wants the minimum period for his players .. to be in India ... anyways .... good luck to pakistan team ... there are good chance that we can top our group .. .but we ain't yet sure ...... about group A after england loss .... it seems the battle is open ;)

[acewings]

Originally Posted by z2_daredevil COLOMBO: In their bid to avoid intimidating Indian crowds in Ahmedabad and Mohali, venues of the quarterfinal and semifinal matches, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi appealed to his teammates to give their best so that they top Group A and play their knock-out World Cup matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan, champions in 1992, have made a good start in the tournament with two comprehensive wins against Kenya and tournament favourites Sri Lanka. Afridi wants his team to carry on their winning run as it will give them the much-needed confidence for the knock-out rounds. He also knows that it is also important for them to avoid playing in India before the final in Mumbai. "I want to play in India, but not before the final," he said. "The biggest reward for us if we topped our group is that we will get to play our quarterfinals here or in Dhaka. It is good for us either way. I want to play our quarterfinal in Sri Lanka or Bangladesh because we are completely used to the conditions and in neutral games we would even get the crowd support. But in India it is going to be a different story." Afridi, who turned 31st here Tuesday, said that in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Pakistan will have the 'home advantage' as they won't be pitted against the home team. Afridi said his boys were working really hard to give their best in the tournament. "The players are training with a lot of intensity," he said. "It's very important for us that we do well in the World Cup and win it for our country." Pakistan lost to India in the quarterfinal of the 1996 World Cup which was played in a highly charged atmosphere in Bangalore. Pakistan last toured India in 2007-08, before bilateral relations touched an all time low after the 26/11 attack on Mumbai by Pakistani terrorists. Extremist groups in India have even threatened to disrupt World Cup matches involving Pakistan. Pakistan were slated to play all their matches at home, but after they were stripped of their status as co-hosts, the International Cricket Council (ICC) assigned their group matches to Sri Lanka to avoid any possible backlash in India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/s...ow/7611164.cms Pakistan would want to top their group cuz we would thn play either bangladesh/westindies or ireland. Now how do we explain that to this retarded writer.

I think the bolded part is what the writer was talking about. Afridi, after all, did utter those very words.

[Markhor]

TOI blowing things out of proportion here.If Pakistan don't play in India,fine.If they end up doing so,also fine.Pakistan have played in India before.Cricket should be kept separate from any politics.

[TheHK16]

Pakistan is not scared of india
:Afridi is enough for all of india

[Ryankhan]

Originally Posted by TheHK16 Pakistan is not scared of india :Afridi is enough for all of india

totally bro, i agree with you. AFRIDI will trash them like garbage along with YOUNIS KHAN-MISBAH n the PINDI EXPRESS

[Blitz]

This makes no sense.

If Pakistan play India....IT WILL BE IN INDIA.

If Pakistan play anyone else, IT WILL NOT BE IN INDIA NO MATTER WHAT.

Thats how it was planned. The ICC and BCCI made sure Pakistan don't play in India if possible. An india clash or the final is only exception.

[Jonty]

Afridi just prefers playing in Bangla/SL because they will have more support here... Nothing about trying to avoid playing India.

[GOAT]

The tigers are just stalking their prey

[chacha kashmiri]

Pakistan want to win all their matches- what a story

I can't think of any team who doesnt... wait a minute...

[srh]

Just realized the source is an Indian newspaper which means the story is most likely fabricated. But then the report have direct quotes from Afridi which usually means the report is true.

[Afridi_Fan]

Originally Posted by srh Even if Pakistan tops the Group A, what is the guarantee that India will not be No. 4 in Group B?

Now that will be so funny, potential World Champions ala Rock Stars not even finishing 2nd or 3rd in their group, forget about the 1st spot.

[ZenBowman]

Whatever happens, I hope that if Pakistan play India, that the crowds treat them well. Just because we have political/land disputes, doesn't mean we have to hate each other.

[cricketindiafan]

Originally Posted by Afridi_Fan Now that will be so funny, potential World Champions ala Rock Stars not even finishing 2nd or 3rd in their group, forget about the 1st spot.

Bhai, Please tell me what was the standing of the 1992 WC champs after the league phase got over during that 1992 WC

[skittles]

Originally Posted by KingKhanWC I've read this 5 times an still can't make head or tails of it. Anyway let's move on. I would love to know why you think Afridi is scared of playing India?

I don't think it's so much 'scared' of playing India as a team, but the highly partisan home crowd can definitely act as a 12th man. There is no denying that if India starts putting a little pressure on any team, the crowd can magnify that pressure many fold.

In that case, it would be smartest to avoid that situation till as late as possible, no?

The pressure can of course work both ways, the home team is under that much more pressure to perform.

[KingKhanWC]

Originally Posted by skittles I don't think it's so much 'scared' of playing India as a team, but the highly partisan home crowd can definitely act as a 12th man. There is no denying that if India starts putting a little pressure on any team, the crowd can magnify that pressure many fold. In that case, it would be smartest to avoid that situation till as late as possible, no? The pressure can of course work both ways, the home team is under that much more pressure to perform.

Exactly. The only game India have played at home witnessed them a silent crowd every time England hit a run and eventually England managed to equal a very high score. So the crowd worked against India and I doubt Afridi is worried about their presence.

[skittles]

Originally Posted by KingKhanWC Exactly. The only game India have played at home witnessed them a silent crowd every time England hit a run and eventually England managed to equal a very high score. So the crowd worked against India and I doubt Afridi is worried about their presence.

Well...the only reason it got to that stage was a brilliant innings by Strauss. It's very unlikely someone in this Pak squad can play a knock like that.

And when Strauss got out, England felt the pressure and collapsed.

I don't think the crowd worked against India in that match, as much as out bowling and Strauss' batting did!! I'd like to think that w/o the crowd pressure England would have cantered to a win.

[KingKhanWC]

Originally Posted by skittles Well...the only reason it got to that stage was a brilliant innings by Strauss. It's very unlikely someone in this Pak squad can play a knock like that. And when Strauss got out, England felt the pressure and collapsed. I don't think the crowd worked against India in that match, as much as out bowling and Strauss' batting did!! I'd like to think that w/o the crowd pressure England would have cantered to a win.

lol. You guys are funny. Before the England game most would have thought Strauss couldn't play such an innings including most England fans but I suppose against a poor bowling attack it's easier for batsmen. You don't have to be to smash the Indian bowlers all over the park.

The crowd were very influential, when tens of thousands suddenly sound like one man and his dog then it will worry the home side and give an extra boost to the opposition. It's best for India to get some cheerleaders that will keep the crowd going even if a single is taken.

[Love Pakistan]

Originally Posted by cricketindiafan Bhai, Please tell me what was the standing of the 1992 WC champs after the league phase got over during that 1992 WC

but we were not "hot favorites" in that world cup...

[Love Pakistan]

[omidahomie8]

we should be prepared to play at any stage, but topping the group is an extreme advantage for two reasons. 1 being playin in sri-lankan or dhakan conditions which are suitble in temrs of crowd and pitch, and 2nd: we should get a better chance then to make it to the semi's since we might be playin west-indies, ireland, or bangladesh.

[AZ]

Bailan & IPLFan - stop trolling.

nsaviguru - stop derailing discussions by discussing your signature, make an intro thread if you like.

I would strongly advise everyone to stick to the topic and stop making anti-India/Pak comments.


as far as the highly leading article itself:

- Afridi has detailed why he would rather play in SL/Bang

- what is Pak's record for ODI matches vs India in India?

[zhivago]

OK, Afridi is scared of playing in India. Unless you love to eat humble pie, let's wait for a few more matches and we shall know the truth.

[ali2220]

Originally Posted by KingKhanWC lol. I'm not a Sachin fan so you can't call me an idolator. This is what Afridi said "I want to play in India, but not before the final," he said. " If you still think he meant he is scared of playing India then you have to accept he wants to play India in the final. By your logic it should mean he just wants to whoop the backside of the Indians in Bombay.

You can't win an argument with him, he will extract his own meaning from Afridi's words to get an excuse to bash him.

[ali2220]

Originally Posted by skittles I don't think it's so much 'scared' of playing India as a team, but the highly partisan home crowd can definitely act as a 12th man. There is no denying that if India starts putting a little pressure on any team, the crowd can magnify that pressure many fold. In that case, it would be smartest to avoid that situation till as late as possible, no? The pressure can of course work both ways, the home team is under that much more pressure to perform.

Completely agreed !The pressure of playing against India in India in WC is great, its obvious that Afridi is trying to avoid that. Pak played Lanka in Lanka in last match but that was NOTHING LIKE playing against India in India.
As for avoiding the situation as late as possible, well in my opinion its better to face such a situation in the very last match of the tour.

[SuperSportsCom]

Originally Posted by adi_6294 This is totally silly...You want to win matches just to avoid playing in india..totally rubbish thoughts.... What will happen if pak will reach the finals, then what would they do?

It's only Indian Masala. What about "Afridi" telling his men to take every game seriously and that's what he has been saying for the last 4 months.

Keeping the winning streak by beating all the teams and especially Australia is much more important than avoiding the game in "bottle throwing" crowd.

[jeetu]

There was similar talks during 96WC , where it was suggested that Pakistan should lose in league matches to avoid playing in India.

[Afridi_Fan]

If Afridi is scared of the rock stars, why he wants to face them in the final?

[PakPrince]

so the article is saying that pakistan is trying to now win all matches so that they they can avoid India until the final?
Btw who confirmed India's appearance in the semis or the final? Are the other teams there to just make up the number?

This article has Indian masala at its best.

Basically what Afridi meant was that India-Pak is a very big match and deserves to be a final or atleast a semi final.
And that he would prefer to play the qf(if we reach them) in SL or Bangladesh because in those countries the crowd will be neutral and not anti-Pakistan ( assuming we dont play the home team.)
Now tell me whats so wrong about these 2 statements?
Indian masala newspaper has selected 2 quotes out of Afridi's exchange with reporters and spun them together to come up with this ridiculuos story and fill their newspaper columns

[Wristy_Shuffler]

I can see why Afridi would say that but I wouldn't want us to become too accustomed to one surface only to be surprise the second we begin to bowl in India. Also have to remember that it's been aaaages since we've played in India.

Although, I have faith that Waqar will have the ability to teach anyone of our bowlers how to bowl along with the experience of Shoiab, Gul and Abdul Razzaq. Spin won't have any problems. But, this is all a long way away. Let's just see where we end in this group.

@Sarghodian. I think loads of people are questioning the events taking place in Pakistan regarding terrorism but it's not really something to discuss here.

[shahidrazzaq]

The media exploited this the wrong way.

Afridi doesn't want to play India/in India in the QFs or the SFs because India may have home advantage and their crowds are huge.

Another point is, why would Afridi, of ALL people, Afridi be afraid of India. I think he has thrashed almost every big team before.

[ZenBowman]

Originally Posted by ZenBowman Whatever happens, I hope that if Pakistan play India, that the crowds treat them well. Just because we have political/land disputes, doesn't mean we have to hate each other.

Tone it down boys, tone it down.

All of us would love an India-Pakistan match, whenever they play, regardless of what we say, there is nothing like it. Quarters, semis or finals, it will be the main event.

[PakPassionate]

if Pak Ind qualify for semis 90% chance that it will be Pak Ind Semi

[Love Pakistan]

I want Pakistan vs India in a semi....... And Pakistan vs SA in a final..

[jasimisbest2]

I have to say most of the people here make judgements without reading what is actually being written::

1- Shahih wants to play Quarter and Semis in SriLanka and Bangladesh as the pitches suit the team and support base is brilliant

2- He wants to play the final in INDIA, this shows his confidence that they are getting pumped up for the final.

3- Stupid Indian media was saying that Afridi and team are scared to visit India lol, rich coming from a nation of a billion who had no guts to visit Pakistan after attacks..... (even though the hindu terrorist group have openly threatened pakistan)

4- This is the planning of the team and how they want to progress. We here can run our fingers on the keyboard and write blah blah blah, the players on the pitch know exactly how it feels!

5- Finally, the news is taken out of context and has Indian masala in it like all the other news, Afridi wants to go to the FINAL in India and play India this has been said before, this is a dream match for the billion cricket fans and I bet any money all the bookies, all businesses and TV braodcasters will be praying for this match, as this one match will bring in more revenue then all the tournament did...

Please avoid getting carried away with such edited articles.
Shahid Afridi your plan is great and our Duwa's are with you.

Pakistan Zindabaad

[Amjid Javed]

Pretty common sense comments from Afridi! Topping the group on paper should give us an easier 1/4 final in reality! Every teams aim would be to top their group.

Same goes for Indias Group, who ever finishes top would probably get the kiwis which would be seen as easier then Pak, SL or Aussies!

[Riff]

I guess there goes the dream of playing our knockout games outside of India.

Im expecting the Indian citizens to come at us hard when we go there

[Amjid Javed]

I think we will end up playing India in India in 1/4 finals.

[freelance_cricketer]

How the pride bubble has burst :-)

[UsmanhailsAfridi]

we will def be playing in india now vs india in QF

[UsmanhailsAfridi]

Originally Posted by freelance_cricketer How the pride bubble has burst :-)

which bubble my friend...we actually won our first 3 games...beat a solid home team...no bubble just good wins...today we just sucked which is also normal for us

[QuarterBack]

Originally Posted by UsmanhailsAfridi we will def be playing in india now vs india in QF

Chances of Pak and India finishing 2/3 is reasonable... However I still think that an India -Pak Q/F is a distant possibility...