Afridi tried to win the crowd ahead of the India-Pak match: Sunil Gavaskar

Shahid Afridi said in a press conference on Sunday that he felt that he was loved more in India than in Pakistan, when asked about the tension before Pakistan team’s arrival in India. His statement has been heavily criticized by the Pakistani media and fans. Former India opener and Captain Sunil Gavaskar has added to that incident saying, “Emotions run high before India-Pakistan match. What Shahid said was a good way to say nice things about Indian public. The crowd at Eden will not be hostile towards Pakistan.”

He also added that even if there was a hostile crowd at Eden Gardens, it will help the Pakistani team raise their game to a new level. Gavaskar said when asked about Miandad’s reaction, he said “When Miandad played for Pakistan; he played with his whole heart. He gave 200 per cent when he played against India. He always had that invisible Pakistan flag with him. So he was miffed with Shahid, saying nice things.”

Gavaskar advised Afridi and the Pakistani team to focus on the task ahead and said that they have to raise their game higher than what they performed in the Asia Cup, fi they want to do well in the World T20 2016. Gavaskar also spoke about his favorites to lift the title and said that India is favorites by just a bit to win the World T20 2016. He also named Australia, South Africa and England to make the semis along with India in the tournament.

Speaking of the jinx of no host country winning the tournament, Gavaskar said that India will be able to break the jinx as they did with the ICC World Cup 2011. There is always a first time for everything and it can be India doing it. He was full of praise for the recent form of Indian team and said that the balance of the team was perfect and the fielding was of top quality and playing against Australia have given them the confidence of winning from any position.

Lastly Gavaskar also said that the New Zealand team could be the potential dark horses in the tournament. “New Zealand plays under the radar. Expectations are less, so they can come and surprise. It will be a cracker of a game against India. They have fabulous stroke makers. Trent Boult is there and Tim Southee, who had played in IPL. He knows how to bowl in Indian conditions. They can spring a surprise,” Gavaskar said.