Pakistan cricket legend Shahid Afridi is elated that the American public will experience cricket’s version of the Super Bowl on Sunday, June 9, in New York.
As the ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Afridi is particularly thrilled about the much-anticipated India-Pakistan showdown during this edition of the tournament. He highlighted that the American audience will witness the “greatest cricketing rivalry” at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
“For those Americans discovering the tournament, they should know that Pakistan’s game against India is like our Super Bowl,” Afridi wrote in his column for the ICC. “I used to absolutely love playing India and I really believe it is the biggest rivalry in sport. When I played in those games, I got a lot of love and respect from the Indian fans and it meant so much to both sides. Against India, it is about handling the pressure of the occasion. There is so much talent in both teams, they just need to put it together on the day.”
Afridi believes the large South Asian expatriate community in the U.S. will provide immense support and foster the game’s growth in the region.
“People are going to love the support in the States. There is a great expat community over there which absolutely loves cricket.
“And the Americans absolutely love their sport, whether it is American football, basketball or baseball. I really believe that cricket will hit the mainstream over there in the next few years, which is very exciting for up-and-coming cricketers.”
While Afridi did not favour either team in the India-Pakistan contest, he expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to overcome their recent inconsistent form and deliver a strong performance in the tournament.
“Pakistan have shown in recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cups that they are capable of challenging anyone,” Afridi said. “Even though their form has been inconsistent in 2024, I believe they have all the ingredients to put it all together in the West Indies and USA.
Afridi pointed to Pakistan’s successful runs in the recent T20 World Cups as evidence of their capability to perform under pressure, particularly highlighting their potent pace attack.
“Over the last two ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, they have made one final and one semi-final and there is no question of the talent in the squad. The conditions in the Caribbean will definitely suit them.
“There is so much talent in the side, particularly when you look at the bowling attack which should thrive over there. The fast bowlers are as good as any team in the world and there is so much depth as well.”
Afridi emphasized the importance of settling on a fixed squad and backing regular players for success.
“Class is much more important than recent forms. We have seen time and again that the landscape of the game can change in the space of a few overs in T20 cricket.
“Part of the reason the results have been a bit up and down [for Pakistan] is that the selectors have been testing youngsters and giving them an opportunity to showcase their talent.
“It was important to settle on the best combination for the World Cup. Once they get there, I am expecting them to target the powerplay, keeping the strike rate high, before building up until the 14th over. From there, the finish will be the key.”
Pakistan commenced their Men’s T20 World Cup campaign against co-hosts USA in Dallas on June 6, Thursday.
